Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and Tobii announced a collaboration to make eye tracking technology available for mobile VR/AR head-mounted displays (HMDs) powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile VR Platform. Qualcomm is positioned as a key technology partner for HMD device makers as the major chip provider. The announcement by Tobii is an important proof of the increasing demand of incorporating eye tracking into VR/AR hardware.
This collaboration is to create a design and development kit for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile VR Platform. This will also include Tobii’s EyeCore™ eye tracking algorithms and hardware design.
At its core, eye tracking enables hardware manufacturers to build smarter and more efficient devices with greater mobility. That in turn, will deliver immersive and natural experiences to the delighted users.- Oscar Werner, president of Tobii Tech
Traits of Tobii eye tracking in mobile VR/AR headsets are:
1. VR/AR devices become aware of where we are looking, and this directs the high-definition graphics process. This enables the device with longer battery life and more flexibility.
2. The device can easily adapt to the individual user, thus increasing the visual quality of virtual and augmented reality experiences.
3. The device can track your gaze in real-time validating to express one of the most fundamental dimensions of human interaction i.e. eye contact. Eye tracking will also make experiences more personal and interactive. Avatars and in-game characters could look at you when you look at them too.
Qualcomm focuses on transforming the use of mobile technologies for entertainment and productivity. This collaboration is set to make eye tracking technology more mainstream. Future manufacturers might even see the technology as a requirement for VR headsets.
