Eye-control Technology Empowers TV Viewers
Eye control technology is revolutionising the way viewers can now control their TVs.
US media company Comcast has launched the Xfinity X1 eye control; a web-based remote that can be accessed through computers and tablets and pairs with eye gaze technology.
Integrating the new feature into its Xfinity Service, the technology will allow users with physical disabilities to navigate their TV using their eyes, including the activation of in-game scores and statistics via Comcast’s X1 Sports platform.
The tool works with existing eye gaze hardware and software, Sip-and-Puff switches and other assistive technologies. Using these tools, the viewer can look at a button on the web-based remote and change the channel, set up a recording, search for content and other additional services that are part of the Xfinity package.
“Changing the channel on a TV is something most of us take for granted but until now, it was a near-impossible task for millions of viewers,” said Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President Accessibility at Comcast. “When you make a product more inclusive you create a better experience for everyone and we’re hoping our new X1 feature makes a real difference in the lives of our customers.”
By partnering with makers of eye-gaze hardware, Tobii Assistive Technology, Comcast claim its feature will allow users to do just about anything that can be done with a physical remote. Comcast’s inclusion of these technologies marks a first among large telecom providers and further adds to a host of other features rolled out by the company throughout the last several years. One feature built into Comcast remotes which has become popular among able-bodied and disabled customers is voice-command which allows viewers to press a button and speak into their remote to execute commands.
In a video from Comcast, Jimmy Curran, who has a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, confining him to a wheelchair, demonstrates how the technology could improve the lives of people with physical disabilities like his.
