Since the launch of smartphones, people have been experimenting with the ways we interact with them. I remember Sony launched its own hover technology a while ago that allows users to interact without touching the screen. While Apple doesn’t spend much time on these frivolous features, third-party developers are always looking for ways. This article is a result of such a third-party application that allows users to control their iOS device using only their eyes. If this piqued your interest, read on as we show you how you can use this app to control your iPhone with your eyes:
Note: Eye tracking currently only works inside the app. However, it gives you easy access to your favorite websites and apps by allowing you to access different web apps including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more.
Control Your iOS Devices Using Your Eyes
As I mentioned in the article, we will take the help of a third-party app to use this feature. The app is called “Hawkeye Access” and uses the “TrueDepth” camera module on iPhones to track your eye movement and use it as input. For this reason, This app only works on iPhones that come with True Depth camera technology, including iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.. That said, Apple is said to have launched new iPad Pros with the same True Depth camera technology on October 30, 2018, in which case the app should work on them as well. That said, let’s see how you can use this app:
- The first step is pretty simple. Just click the link with Download and install Hawkeye Access application on your iPhone. It’s completely free, so you don’t have to worry about spending money.
2. Now follow the onscreen steps to calibrate the app with your eye moments. Then you can choose between Smile, Blink and Hold Glance. The option you choose will act as your touch input.. Blink is the easiest and most accurate way to interact with your phone, so I recommend choosing it.
3. When you are done with the configuration, the app will give you an interface with large app icons that you can select with your eyes. There is also a “Settings” button that can be used to manage different settings..
4. Now all you have to do is move your eyes to navigate and blink to interact with the app. You can use the left and right sides to go back and forth while the bottom left corner acts as the Home button.
In my tests, the app performed really well, but I had to train myself to move only my eyes and not my entire head. If you move your whole head, it will be very difficult to use the phone as the cursor will be too sensitive to control.
It took me about half an hour to get used to it, but after that I was able to use the app with very good precision.. However, the technology still lags far behind touch interaction and it will take at least a few years to be used by regular users. At its current stage, it’s only good for us tech geeks to play.
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Use This App To Control Your iPhone With Your Eyes
Although the app is not good enough for daily use, I quite liked the concept and using it for half an hour gave me enough confidence to use this app quite regularly. I really enjoy using this app as it shows what the future holds for us.
If this technology is applied in a more sensible way, it will really help people especially when they use their iPhone for reading purposes. Check out the app and let us know if you like it or not by writing it in the comments section below.