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www.dailymail.co.uk_sciencetech 2015 01776.txt.txt

#Game over for joysticks? Fove virtual reality headset lets players aim and interact with characters using just their EYES Gamers could soon be dropping their joysticks and pushing their mouse to one side as eye-control becomes the latest way to play games. Using the movement of the head and eyes, gamers using the Fove virtual reality device will be able to control games with the blink of an eye. The unique tracking technology will let a player use their eyes to control guns and tools, stare to pull up dashboard or information panels, and emotionally interact with characters to attract their attention. By making eye contact with virtual characters possible gamers will also be able to use expressions and emotions to communicate and even influence actions. Having initially been built to help disabled children learn the piano, Fove is using Kickstarter to raise $250, 000 (£161, 000) to bring the device to market. If successful, the founders will let developers and gamers fully utilise the device's capability. The device combines a 2560x1440 VR display with both eye-tracking and motion tracking, allowing users to fully explore 360-degree virtual worlds using both their head and eyes. The device projects the wearer's gaze into 3d space enabling them to quickly and accurately communicate with and control the virtual environment. With Fove, eyes are used for enhanced input control, providing faster, more accurate, and more natural input than with traditional mouse, keyboard, or controller as these were invented originally for 2d games and applications. And the technology isn't just able to detect larger movements such as the eyes, but also uses the pupils'reaction to light. Founders of the project claim that by being able to calculate the subtle changes in both pupils, it can present virtual environments with realistic depth of field. Yuka Kojima CEO and Cofounder of Fove, explained:''Our eye-tracking technology is able to read very subtle eye movements and translate these into user-intention and emotion. By adding this extra recognition we are bringing real human connection into virtual reality.''As well as being used in gaming and interactive cinema, the technology can also be used in real-world applications, such in medicine, education, virtual tourism and for conferences. Lochlainn Wilson, Fove's cofounder said:''Beyond gaming, we are even working with schools and institutions, enabling people with physical disabilities to play the piano, as we demonstrated with our Eye Play the Piano project.''The founders now plan to work with content developers to provide more games and films for Fove users. With the success of crowdfunding, developer kits will be shipped by the third quarter of this year, ahead of the official launch of Oculus Rift in 2015. The Fove device is available to pre-order on Kickstarter from $349 (£225) for early bird backers

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