Comcast has launched Xfinity X1 eye control, a free feature that gives people with physical disabilities like spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) the ability to navigate their television using only their eyes.

The web-based remote for tablets and computers is designed to pair with an existing eye gaze system and allows viewers to change the channel, set a recording, search for a show and more, all with a glance.

“Changing the channel on a TV is something most of us take for granted but until now, it was a near-impossible task for millions of viewers,” says Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President Accessibility at Comcast, in a media release. “When you make a product more inclusive you create a better experience for everyone and we’re hoping our new X1 feature makes a real difference in the lives of our customers.”

X1 eye control uses a web page remote control that works with existing eye gaze hardware and software, Sip-and-Puff switches, and other assistive technologies. To make X1 eye control work, Xfinity customers simply use their Comcast login credentials to pair the web-based remote with their set-top-box. From that point forward, each time the customer gazes at a button, the web-based remote sends the corresponding command to the television.

“As an assistive technology company, we want to empower our users to live independent lives. With the X1 eye control now enabled with eye gaze, it will come to great use for many of them,” states Tara Rudnicki, President North America Tobii Dynavox, a provider of touch and eye tracking assistive technology hardware and software.

Per the release, X1 eye control is designed to help customers:

  • Change the channel, launch the guide, search for content, set a recording and more, without assistance
  • Turn on the X1 Sports App, which brings real-time sports scores and statistics into the screen right alongside the in-game action
  • Access X1’s Accessibility menu which controls closed captioning, video description and voice guidance
  • Use their gaze to type out voice commands like “watch NBC” or “action movies”

“Comcast knows that TV and media access is a powerful part of life for most people,” comments David Dikter, CEO, Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), in the release.

“That X1 can now be used with eye gaze and an array of other assistive technologies shows a new level of commitment to access and independence for persons with disabilities,” he adds.

[Source(s): Comcast Corporation, Business Wire]