myGaze Eye Controller is The Real Next Gen
Xbox One and PS4 may only be a few days away but the real next generation technology, at least in my opinion, is quietly being worked on away from the glitz and glamour of the two new systems. The myGaze system is one of the most revolutionary pieces of hardware I have seen in the last 5 or so years in the world of gaming.
The myGaze is an accessory that will work with any Windows based PC whether it be a desktop or laptop, and quite possibly full Windows 8 tablets. The system itself clips onto the monitor or onto the laptop and appears to be a fairly small piece of kit. When games become available, the myGaze can be used on consoles as well as PC.
The myGaze tracks the user’s gaze that in turn is used to control games. Some games will have support for the system built in, whilst others will need specialist software in order to work with the controller. The company is currently testing the myGaze with many genres including FPS, strategy, horror, and racing.
At Eurogamer Expo I went hands on with the myGaze at the Special Effect booth, where they had Dirt 3 making use of the controller. It took a while to get used to the new control scheme, but after a while I got used to it and it works extremely well. One of my colleges who wears glasses played Fruit Ninja and it worked quite well even with his glasses on. We have been told that the system will work with all eye colours, ages, glasses, contact lenses, and environmental lighting.
Special Effect is championing the system and is integrating it into many of their solutions. Special Effect creates systems and solutions to allow disabled people to play games. If you are unfamiliar with their work you can check it out here. Special Effect’s Mick Donegan told me at the Eurogamer Expo that the myGaze is one of the most accurate systems they have had access to and is at least a sixth cheaper than the systems they previously used.
The myGaze system is currently available for $499, but the company is working on bringing this price down for the next generation of the myGaze that will be unveiled in a few months time.
Along with the myGaze controller, the company are also working with Martin Dechant on a game called Sophia. Sophia will use the myGaze system extensively in the game, a trailer for Sophia that shows off the myGaze integration can be seen below.
A lot more news about the myGaze system will be coming over the next few months as it tries to become a consumer focused product, with a lower price and games that will work out of the box. Hopefully with a lower price the myGaze could become a staple accessory for all gamers, and could revolutionize the way we play games.
Oh and by the way, it doesn’t induce nausea when you use it.
For more information, check out the myGaze website: http://www.mygaze.com/
