Google has acquired a California-based eye-tracking company named Eyefluence as part of its efforts to foray into the Virtual Reality space. According to sources, the search engine giant has picked up a core technology that might move its virtual reality (VR) ambitions closer to the masses.
In a blog post, Eyefluence disclosed that they are joining hands with Alphabet Inc. The company is working to enable eye movements to control digital screens. The company is still in its infancy since it has been incorporated just three years back.
According to analysts, the company had reportedly raised $21.6 million in funding. However, they declined to reveal as to for how much amount Google bought the company. Meanwhile, Google also confirmed the acquisition when asked about the same via email.
To recall, Eyefluence was founded by Jim Marggraff, the creator of the pioneering LeapPad tablet computer. He started the venture after buying assets from neurological research firm Eye-Com.
He revealed before the media that the start-up has been established to enable people to manipulate objects and digital screens with their eye movements.
In the virtual and augmented reality, the use of functional eye-tracking mechanism is gaining great attention. The technology works in such a way that digital images interact with the physical world. However, the company is working on to overcome challenges in the implementation of the new technology. These include latency and accessibility issues.
In the recent times, Google has invested aggressively in VR by launching customized software. Moreover, the company had launched its own mobile headset. The company is also gearing up to invest in Magic Leap, which specializes in the eye interaction technology.
