eBay iPhone X App Receives HeadGaze Head Tracking Technology

• eBay is using HeadGaze technology in the latest version of its iPhone app.
• The technology makes it easier to shop online for people with limited motor skills.
• eBay is also working on eye-tracking technology for even more hands-free gestures.

iPhone X users can now use head tracking browse and make purchases on the official eBay app. The e-commerce announced the new update to showcase how they are working on improving the shopping experience for differently abled users or users with partially functioning motor skills.

eBay is using HeadGaze technology, which is an open source technology that makes use of head tracking and uses head movement as a ‘cursor.’ It requires a lot of processing power, which makes the iPhone X the perfect device from Apple to include the feature. Other existing iPhone devices will not get access to the new technology. However, with new iPhone X devices scheduled for launch tomorrow, it is likely that Apple’s upcoming phones will support the technology as well.

HeadGaze technology has been implemented on the iPhone X using the ARKit framework. Users can use their head to browse the eBay app and to look at specific parts of the screen will allow you to scroll, add items to your cart and make purchases. The company revealed “As part of the Partnership on AI, an association of businesses focused on establishing best practices for artificial intelligence systems and educating the public about AI, eBay is dedicated to investigating the profound impact that many expect AI will have on the world.  We want to encourage developers to build more apps that don’t require screen touch.”

If you are interested in how the technology works, you can head to HeadGaze’s repository on GitHub. eBay revealed that the technology was primarily developed for shopping, but it can also be implemented in other apps as well. The e-commerce giant is also working on an eye-tracking interface that can allow even more complex hands-free gestures for users who suffer from disabilities.

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