Microsoft has added eyetracking to the Insider-build of Windows 10. The functionality works in conjunction with Tobii hardware and is intended to allow people with disabilities to control a Windows PC with their eyes.
The new feature is called Eye Control, giving users the ability to move the mouse cursor and type them on an onscreen keyboard. To use the functionality, hardware is needed, Microsoft specifically calls the Tobii 4C, which costs 159 euros. According to Tobii, there is also support for other hardware from the manufacturer.
Tobii has been offering eyetracking hardware for PCs aimed at gamers. Also, some monitors and laptops have built-in Tobii hardware, which works with cameras. Eye Control is a beta in the latest Insider-build of Windows 10. Ultimately, the functionality must be available to all Windows users.
In and blog, Microsoft writes about the emergence of functionality. In 2014, the company organized its first hackaton and the idea of ear surgery was created. Initially, the functionality was used to enable an ALS patient to operate his electric wheelchair via a Surface tablet with eye surgery. The Eye Gaze Wheelchair Project won the hackaton and was the start for Microsoft to continue the development of eyetracking in Windows 10.