Tobii and Synaptics Unveil Concept Laptop That Integrates Eye Tracking and Touchpad User Interface Controls

STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2013 — Tobii Technology, the global leader in eye tracking and gaze interaction, and Synaptics Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNA), a leading developer of human interface solutions for mobile computing, communications and entertainment devices, announced today a new prototype laptop powered by a combination of Synaptics ForcePad touchpad and Tobii Gaze eye-tracking technology.

“This is an extremely exciting time in the evolution of human computing. The combination of gaze and touch literally redefines the human computer interface for notebook and desktop PC users, who want the ultimate intuitive computer experience,” said Stan Swearingen, chief technology officer and senior vice president of advanced development at Synaptics. “This prototype brings to life how Synaptics’ ForcePad, the industry’s highest-performing and most innovative touchpad solution, can harness the power of Tobii Gaze to bring all users a new and unparalleled user experience. Tobii Gaze has the potential to open up new markets and drive exponential product development opportunities for OEMs.”

The prototype laptop is based on a slim Ultrabook platform and provides a preview of how Tobii Gaze will be broadly used in combination with innovative touch interfaces in future computers. The new prototype will be showcased this summer in meetings with industry leaders, strategic partners and media in the U.S., Europe and Asia, as well as at events this fall.

“Computers are becoming truly multimodal, and by teaming up with leading-edge technology partners we are expanding the scope of eye-tracking applications and creating superior user interfaces,” said Henrik Eskilsson, CEO of Tobii Technology. “We are excited about our partnership with Synaptics, as it is instrumental in showing how eye-tracking technology such as Tobii Gaze can serve multiple functions and applications in the market. At Tobii, we are pioneering innovation with a broad array of technology leaders and developers to create a more natural and intuitive experience for computer users.”

Tobii Gaze,the award-winningeye-tracking interface introduced last year, enables users to control the computer by combining their eye gaze with other controls, such as touch, mouse and keyboard. Synaptics ForcePad revolutionizes touchpad technology by introducing the element of pressure as an additional control element of touch.  

In January at CES, Tobii introduced and launched the Tobii REX Developer Edition, which is the first peripheral eye-tracking product powered by Tobii Gaze being made available for developers. Application developers can begin exploring the benefits of Tobii Gaze today with the Tobii REX Developer Edition. For more information about joining the Tobii Gaze Partner Program, go to www.tobii.com/gaze-partner.

About Tobii Technology

Tobii Technology is the global leader in eye tracking and gaze interaction. Tobii delivers comprehensive, market-leading gaze solutions and OEM eye-tracking components for applications such as computers, gaming and vehicles. Tobii’s eye-tracking technology has accelerated the development of gaze interaction in personal computing, transformed research in many fields and enabled communication for thousands of people with special needs. Founded in 2001, Tobii continues to achieve rapid annual growth and receive awards and recognition for its accomplishments. Based in Sweden, Tobii has a global presence, with offices in the U.S., China, Germany, Japan and Norway, as well as a worldwide network of resellers and partners. For more information, visit www.tobii.com.

About Synaptics

As a leading developer of human interface solutions which enhance the user experience, Synaptics provides the broadest touch solutions portfolio in the industry. The ClearPad™ family supports touchscreen solutions for devices ranging from entry-level mobile phones to flagship premium smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs. The TouchPad™ family, including ClickPad™ and ForcePad™, is integrated into the majority of today’s notebook PCs. Synaptics’ wide portfolio also includes ThinTouch™ supporting thin and light keyboard solutions, as well as key technologies for next generation touch-enabled video and display applications. (NASDAQ: SYNA) www.synaptics.com

Media contacts

Tobii corporate contact:
Sara Hyléen, Marketing Director, Tobii Technology; phone: +46 709 161 641; email: sara.hyleen @ tobii.com

For Tobii in the U.S.:Kristina Messner, Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Focused Image; phone: +1-703-678-6023; email: kmessner @ focusedimage.com

Synaptics:
Nick Rottler, Senior Manager of Corporate Marketing, Synaptics; phone: +1-408-454-5388; email:  nick.rottler @ synaptics.com  

Starlayne Meza, Text 100 Global Communications for Synaptics; phone: +1-415-593-8431; email: synaptics @ text100.com

Tags: