Facebook’s virtual reality-focused Oculus division has acquired eye-tracking technology startup The Eye Tribe based in Denmark for an undisclosed amount.
The Eye Tribe startup was founded in 2011 by four students from the IT University of Copenhagen. It develops software that enables eye control on mobile devices and computers, allowing hands-free navigation.
The acquisition will benefit Facebook’s Oculus to integrate eye-tracking software to its Rift VR (virtual reality) headset, allowing users to control actions by moving their eyes.
Oculus, a virtual reality company, was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for 2 billion dollars. It had rolled out two new features - Parties and Rooms - for Samsung Gear VR.
OculusCEO: Brendan Iribe
Founded: 2012, Irvine, California, United States
Headquarters: Menlo Park
Acquisition date: March 25, 2014
Founders: Jack McCauley, Brendan Iribe, Palmer Luckey
Head organization: Facebook, Inc.
