Google grabs eye-tracking technology to boost VR, AR or Glass

Google has acquired a startup company that is developing eye-tracking technology for use in virtual reality, augmented reality and its Google Glass eyewear.

Google's Alphabet parent company has bought three-year-old Eyefluence, the company confirmed on Tuesday.

Using technology first spun out of neurological research, Eyefluence founder and chief executive officer Jim Marggraff oversaw development of its eye-interaction technology that is designed to "create a more natural, intuitive way to interact with augmented and virtual reality displays".

Current methods of input with VR and AR devices involve moving the head, hands or speaking voice.

Eyefluence claims to have achieved the core requirements for eye-interaction on a head-mounted display: robustness, small size, low power/processing and natural user experience.

"Our technology goes beyond the sensor components of a traditional eye-tracking system, actually giving the user the power to control their device through eye-interaction," the company has said.

Confirming the deal on Tueday, a statement from Eyefluence said: "With our forces combined, we will continue to advance eye-interaction technology to expand human potential and empathy on an even larger scale. We look forward to the life-changing innovations we’ll create together."

Google's developments in VR range from software to the Daydream VR headset that can be used in conjunction with its Pixel handset, while reports in the summer cited a new standalone headset that will incorporate eye-tracking.

Augmented reality, which blends computer generated images with elements of the physical world, has really taken off in 2016 thanks to the Pokemon Go game.

Other companies working on eye-tracking technology include AIM-listed Seeing Machines, which uses its technology to monitor fatigue in lorry drivers, though applications it developed for the games market have been deprioritised.