Windows Control

Eye tracking is probably the quickest, easiest and most comfortable way to operate a computer with assistive technology. It helps thousands of individuals, some suffering from e.g. a spinal cord injury or ALS, lead more independent and happier lives.

It does so by allowing you to access a computer and the Internet using only your eyes – no mouth sticks, switches or head mouse needed. Simply look at the computer screen and control the mouse cursor with your eye movement. It is fast, ergonomic and gives you access to the many ways that a computer can enrich your life.

Windows Control is the software that enables computer access on a Windows PC via eye gaze and switch input, replacing the standard keyboard and mouse. It comes included with selected product options for our peripheral eye trackers, providing the most efficient and ergonomic way to access your computer with assistive technology.

 With the new Windows Control you get:

• More relaxed computer access – With the two-step process, clicks are made intentionally and navigation is more intuitive, creating a relaxed and natural computing environment that is easy on your shoulders and neck.
• Ability to hit smaller targets – Windows Control has a unique zoom feature that provides virtually pixel-precise control of where you point, click and drag. It is designed for switch and gaze use and lets you set the zoom depth individually.
• Faster computer access – Efficiently access all of the functions of your computer with fewer mistakes and clicks, and at a higher speed. The new Windows Control Shortcuts increase speed and comfort even more with direct access to Cortana, volume control, cut/copy and paste, access desktop and many more.
• Integrated keyboard – The built-in keyboards include the SwiftKey word prediction, which learns the way you type and the words and phrases that matter to you, constantly adapting to your personal writing style. With this knowledge, the keyboard proactively suggests what you are likely to type next. Currently, SwiftKey word prediction is available in 30 languages in Windows Control.
• Tracking on external screen - With Windows Control you can mount your eye tracker on a second or third screen and simply chose the screen you want to track on.

Windows Control Product Leaflet

We focused on your needs and used it as input to create features that really make your life easier. Consistency throughout our portfolio, a great user experience and full control for you were just some of our most important goals.

Individual adjustments – Gaze enabled settings

All settings and features in the next generation Windows Control are gaze enabled. This means you have the ability to calibrate as well as change dwell time, users, languages, input methodology and much more by yourself. Fully gaze enabled settings means total control for you.

The calibration process has been redesigned and further improved. It now features a "pop the dot" calibration, which is even more engaging and fun. No assistance is needed here, allowing you to take full control. If you need more custom settings, there is an "Easy" calibration options, where you can set your own preferences, use images or videos as calibration stimuli, etc. During the process, you can look away from the screen and then return and continue from where you stopped. 

To quickly access all of those important eye tracking settings, you now have a Controller window directly on the screen. The new Controller window is always available on the screen and lets you Start/Pause eye tracking or bring up the Track status window to check your position. It also provides direct access to the Settings for further adjustments.

Even more settings make it possible for you to define your best individual setup: Early eye gaze users can increase the taskbar width and reduce the number of tasks to only one, which simplifies selection enormously. Experienced users, on the other hand, can lower the dwell time or add more buttons to the taskbar in order to increase efficiency and speed. All adjustments can be done by yourself, which can help to avoid frustration and miscommunication.

The power of shortcuts

Utilize the full potential of Windows 10 with the brand-new Windows Control Shortcuts. All important Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 access features are gathered in the shortcuts panel for quick and full Windows control. 

The interface is simple and clear, which makes it fast and comfortable to access the volume control, cut/copy and paste, access desktop, minimize/maximize and much more.

Besides the essential Windows functions, you can also launch additional programs from the shortcuts panel. You have direct access to Virtual Remote (IR control) Windows Speech Recognition (voice control), Cortana – and many more in the near future.

Once selected in the taskbar, the shortcut panel will fade into the screen and is only there when you need it. It fades out conveniently as soon as the task is selected or stays pinned for some tasks like volume up/down.

Environmental Control

Within Windows Control and an IR module, e.g. EyeR, you now have the ability to control IR devices in your surroundings remotely. Choose your favorite TV program, let your music band play as loud as you want and enjoy toys like remote controlled cars. Virtual Remote is the software, integrated into Windows Control, that provides two pathways to setting up an IR connection:

• Pre-programmed remotes  -  Virtual Remote comes preprogrammed with many popular IR codes, helping you to simply create “Virtual Remotes” and take control of devices in your home or office. There is an extensive list of device brands to choose from and, once the brand is selected, all matching remotes are displayed, so that you can find the best one. Once chosen, the remote can still be edited afterwards.
• Manually programmed remotes - Here, the user begins with a pre-filled layout, which consists of un-programmed buttons. These buttons can now be programmed individually according to your preferences. After the initial programming, every button can still be edited and changed.

Switching between different remote controls is easy, so you always have direct access to programmed IR remotes.

Tobii Dynavox eye tracking devices and Windows Control can help you control your surroundings, pursue interests and education, as well as stay entertained. They are also valuable tools for helping you re-enter the workplace, staying in touch with friends and family, meeting new people and interacting with your children.

Benefits - Power to be You

With the Windows Control software, you can operate your computer using only your eyes and enjoy:

• Greater personal independence – Regaining a healthy level of personal independence is possible through Tobii Dynavox eye tracking devices that provide you with access to a computer and the Internet. Learn more about how you can increase your independence.
• Social networking – You can take advantage of all forms of communication, write emails to your friends and family, access social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and give friends and family updates about yourself through a blog or a personal website. You can even use it to make phone calls. Find out more about gaze interaction and social networking.
• Artistic expression – Artistic expression through gaze interaction is also a healthy way to spend time, acquire new skills and promote creativity, all things that can increase health and happiness. Learn how you can use gaze interaction to be creative.
• Independent recreation – Taking part in some type of recreation is a way to pass the time, have fun, learn, and stimulate your mind, while improving your overall happiness and health. Accessing a computer and the Internet through eye control without the need of an assistant is one way to enjoy independent recreation.
• Full, ergonomic computer access – Using gaze interaction can be easier on your neck, shoulders and body tone than using a head mouse or a switch.
• Access to environmental control – Environmental control works by remotely controlling IR enabled devices directly from your computer. With it you can take control of things in your surroundings at home or in the office like lights, telephones, TVs, DVD players, toys and more. Being able to control devices via gaze interaction allows you to regain much of your freedom and independence.
• Remaining in work or school – With the ability to use a computer, also via an eye tracking device, you can greatly improve your chances of remaining employed or finishing school.

Built for an outstanding user experience

We want to create a single unified experience when using any Tobii Dynavox software title, so that working between them feels seamless and effortless. Windows Control is aligned with Tobii Dynavox software and speaks the same design language. Color schemes are adapted automatically to Windows, merging it perfectly and making the software feel like it is a part of Windows, and it is now even easier to find your way around due to increased conformity and better usability.

Getting started with Windows Control is easier than ever before. With the brand new Configuration Guide you follow three simple steps that guide you through the setup process. First, type in your license code, then set up the eye tracker and calibration properly and finalize with your user registration. This will send you directly to a comprehensive, but easy to follow tutorial that includes several videos, images and helpful information about getting started with Windows Control.

For additional help and support, we created a dedicated section in the Windows Control settings. There you will find a comprehensive ecosystem of support with online help, articles, FAQs as well as the Getting Started Tutorial – ready to use whenever you need it.

Your future-proof companion

The entire software and especially the Windows Control Shortcuts are built to be flexible, while keeping future improvements in mind. This way, we can adjust and modify the shortcuts according to the latest innovations as well as your needs and preferences. Windows Control is compatible with most of our eye tracking hardware which ensures that the software will support you on your journey and you don’t need to adapt constantly.

The next generation Windows Control opens the door to the entire world of Tobii. We will be able to take quick and regular advantage of the continuous innovations in eye tracking technology - in hardware quality, software features, firmware and algorithms improvements, Research and Development resources and more -  from the global leader in eye tracking technology, our sister company, Tobii Tech.  

Note: If you already use the Classic Tobii Gaze Interaction Software, please uninstall it before you install your new Windows Control software.