Samsung Unveils New Galaxy S4 Smartphone With Eye Tracking
Samsung have just unveiled a new smartphone which allows users to control its screen using only their eyes. The device will be rolled out globally, across several networks in 155 countries, at the end of April.
To many who may not have any connection to disability, this technology may seem 'futuristic.'Personally, as someone who is always looking for ways to make the mainstream world accessible to people with disabilities, I find it an exciting step forward.
For severely disabled people who do not have verbal communication, and are unable to use their hands, eye gaze software is nothing new. It has been available on PCs and specialist assistive technology devices for several years.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be the first device to bring this technology to a mainstream device. In this process, it is reasonable to hope, this mainstream device will be accessible to severely disabled people without verbal communication or finger control. This group of people cannot currently access mobile phones at all. So this device, when released to the general public, will greatly improve their lives.
Two key features of the handset will be Smart Pause, through which the user will be able to pause a video simply by looking away from the screen, and Smart Scroll, which will allow users to scroll through content with their eyes and wrists.
Nothing has yet been said about a feature which would allow people to type text messages with their eye movements, so I can't see disabled people who cannot use their hands being able to enjoy that part of the mobile phone experience quite yet. I think this feature is something Samsung should strongly consider for the next model!
However, I can certainly see a severely disabled person being able to independently enjoy using Youtube on these phones with Smart Pause, and independently reading emails and texts with Smart Scroll.
In the UK, Vodafone, Three, Orange, T-Mobile and EE have all announced plans to offer the device on their networks.
It seems like, for severely disabled people hoping to be able to access mobile phones, the future's bright- the future's Samsung.