Control Phone with Eyes and Experience the Future of Interaction

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Posted Nov 18, 2024

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A Woman using a Smartphone
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman using a Smartphone

Eye-tracking technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with our devices, and it's already here.

With the help of advanced algorithms and machine learning, eye-tracking technology can accurately detect and interpret the movements of our eyes, allowing us to control our phones with unprecedented precision.

This technology has the potential to transform the way we use our devices, making it easier to navigate, communicate, and access information.

Consider reading: Ruger Eye

Future of Interaction

The future of interaction is looking pretty wild, and it's already here. Android devices have been quietly introducing a new way to control our phones using facial movements.

You can interact with your phone by simply moving your face, and it's surprisingly effective. A cursory glance to the left can take the place of the typical Android Back gesture.

This facial control feature has been around for a few years, but Google hasn't made much of a fuss about it. It's only been mentioned in passing, and it's continued to improve over time.

With Android 12 software or higher, you can try out this system for yourself with just 90 seconds of effort and no third-party software needed.

Controlling Your Phone

Credit: youtube.com, How To Control iPhone with Your Eyes

You can control your phone with your eyes, thanks to advancements in technology and accessibility features. Android's face control feature, for instance, uses facial gestures to navigate your phone without touching the screen.

To use Android's face control, you'll need to press and hold the volume-up and volume-down buttons together, then perform specific facial actions like rolling your eyes upward or raising your eyebrows. The feature is similar to Samsung's old "Smart Scroll" option, but with more advanced technology and a more distinctive purpose.

Eye-tracking technology has been around for a while, but recent advancements have made it more reliable. Carnegie Mellon University's EyeMU project, for example, uses a combination of good front-facing camera hardware, Google's Face Mesh, and algorithms to predict user intention. This allows you to control your phone with your eyes, making it easier to use with one hand.

The EyeMU project uses a combination of gaze prediction and gestures to make it more intuitive. You can look at an image to select it, pull it closer to zoom in, and jerk the phone left or right to apply filters. This is more than just staring at something, and it's a clever idea that makes EyeMU more powerful.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Control Your iPhone With Your Eyes?

There are also third-party apps like Hawkeye Access that let you control your iOS device using your eyes. This app works with any website, including communication providers, and only requires a TrueDepth camera, like the iPhone XS or new iPad Pro.

Here are some devices that support eye control features:

  • Android devices with face control feature
  • iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
  • New iPad Pro
  • Devices with a TrueDepth camera

Android Features

Android offers a feature called face control, which allows you to control your phone with facial gestures. You can press and hold the volume-up and volume-down buttons together, roll your eyes upward, look toward the left, raise your eyebrows, and smile to navigate through your phone's interface.

This feature is similar to Samsung's Smart Scroll option, which used to scroll through web pages based on the angle of your device or head. However, Android's face control is more advanced and consistent, making it a fun new trick to play around with.

You can use Android's face control to open your notification panel, close it, access the system Overview area, and even return to your home screen. It's a great feature for accessibility purposes, but its long-term usefulness for most users is still unclear.

Credit: youtube.com, Smartphone Eye Tracking Demo Android eye square

Some apps, like Eva Facial Mouse, take face control to the next level by allowing users to access most elements of the user interface using their face and eye movements. This app is designed to work with most Android devices, but compatibility may vary depending on the camera quality and operating system.

Eye-tracking technology has been around for a while, but current phones sport advanced technologies that could make it more practical. Carnegie Mellon University's EyeMU project combines gaze prediction with traditional input methods, such as flicking the phone left or right, to create a more intuitive experience.

Here's a breakdown of the different features and their uses:

Hawkeye Access

Hawkeye Access is a feature that lets you control your iOS device using your eyes. It works with any website, including communication providers, allowing individuals with a physical disability to browse hands-free.

The Hawkeye Access app is only available for devices with a TrueDepth camera, such as the iPhone XS or new iPad Pro. This means you'll need a compatible device to use this feature.

Here's an interesting read: What Is Device Control on Android Phone

Credit: youtube.com, Hawkeye Access | Control your iOS device with your eyes

To get started, you'll need to download the Hawkeye Access app from the App Store. The app only works on devices with a TrueDepth camera, including the iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max.

There's a dedicated iPad App for the iPad Pro as well, making it accessible to a range of users. Hawkeye Access requires iOS 12.0 or later to function.

iPhone

To control your iPhone with your eyes, you'll need to use the Hawkeye Access app. This app is essentially a web browser that allows you to easily access bookmarked websites through its home page.

The app comes pre-loaded with popular websites and apps, including Google, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and Wikipedia. You can use these to access your favorite online destinations without having to type anything.

To move the cursor around the screen, simply move your eyes. Each website appears in a sizable block, making it easier to make a selection.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Use Eye Tracking on iPhone iOS 18

You can choose from three selection modes: blink, smile, or hold your gaze. I found the blink selection mode to be the most intuitive.

To navigate a webpage, use your eyes to look up or down until a circle with an arrow appears. Then, use your selection mode to scroll up or down. You can also go back or forward by looking right or left until a cursor with an arrow appears.

To head directly home, look all the way down at the bottom-right corner of your screen until the home button appears, then select it. This can be a big time-saver if you get lost in a long webpage.

Related reading: Variable Appears

Frequently Asked Questions

How to control phone with eyes in iOS 18?

To control your iPhone with eyes in iOS 18, simply follow the moving dot on the screen with your gaze. This intuitive method allows you to interact with your device using eye movements.

Seth Meier

Senior Writer

Seth Meier is an experienced writer who has a passion for technology and innovation. He has worked in the tech industry for over a decade and has developed a deep understanding of emerging trends and disruptive technologies. As a blogger, Seth focuses on providing valuable insights and analysis on various topics related to technology, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.

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