Fove

FOVE is the first virtual reality headset that utilizes eye tracking. It was created by a Tokyo-based startup founded by Yuka Kojima (CEO) and Lochlainn Wilson (CTO). Announced in 2014, FOVE's technology uses infrared to track eye movements with accuracy and low latency. The sensors within the device tracks the user's pupils. It allows the user to target and interact with objects by making eye contact with them.

Kickstarter Campaign for FOVE began in May, 2015. It has an initial goal of $250,000. The goal was reached in less than 4 days. Backers who contribute $349+ were originally promised to receive a FOVE HMD in May, 2016. FOVE raised a total of $480,650 through the campaign.

Features

Eye tracking with an accuracy of 1/20th of a degree.

• Foveated rendering - User's gaze is tracked and calculated so the graphical resources are allocated to where he or she is looking. The different areas of VR world sharpens and blurs depending on where your eyes are focusing.
• Move your head naturally - With eye tracking, users can avoid unnecessary head movements and minimize simulator sickness.
• Aim with your eyes - Target and interact with objects by glancing at them. Aim your weapon's cross hair in FPS games or create contextual menus for a gaze based interface.
• Make eye contact - Make eye contact and convey emotions with virtual characters. Characters' behaviors and reactions change when they are watched.

Hardware

FOVE will utilize SteamVR's Lighthouse technology for positional tracking.

Developer

FOVE SDK - integrates content from Unity, Unreal Engine and Cryengine. Developers can port existing VR content into FOVE or create new content.

API for Foveated rendering.

History

September 9, 2014 - FOVE was revealed at Tech Crunch Disrupt SF 2014.

May 19, 2015 - Kickstarter Campaign began.

May 23, 2015 - Kickstarter Goal of $250,000 was reached

June 25, 2015 - FOVE announced that it received an undisclosed amount of funding from Samsung Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Korean conglomerate.

June 25, 2015 - FOVE announced that it will use SteamVR's Lighthouse for positional tracking.