Microsoft introduces Eye Control feature in its latest Windows 10 preview

Microsoft has started testing a new Windows 10 feature called Eye Control which could make operating system much more accessible to those with disabilities.

Eye Control allows people to use their eyes to control an on-screen mouse and keyboard and to operate Windows 10 text-to-speech functionality. A camera tracks eye movements to judge where the user is looking on the screen.

The feature requires a compatible eye tracker, like the Tobii Eye Tracker 4C, which unlocks access to the Windows operating system to be able to do tasks previously accomplished using a mouse and a keyboard. Tobii, which targets gaming and research sectors as well as aiding accessibility, said testing was 'currently being finalized' for Eye Control Compatibility in computers from Acer, Alienware, and MSi.

“Adding native eye tracking support to Windows 10 is a key milestone in our mission to make this technology part of our everyday devices,” said Henrik Eskilsson, CEO of Tobii. “Through integration with Microsoft’s operating system, it becomes possible over time to realize robust eye tracking implementations that add a range of user benefits. This collaboration clearly shows the value of eye gaze input and is a big step forward on the long-term journey to drive high-volume adoption of eye tracking.”

Though currently, Microsoft is only supporting Tobii, the company says it is "open to working with additional hardware vendors to provide customers a broader set of hardware options to enable this experience."