EyeSight Will Not Be The Wii For Mobile Games

Mobile gaming started long before the iPhone (remember ’snake’?) with revenues of over $5 billion in 2008. I recently came across an Israeli start up called EyeSight, which is trying to grab a slice of the pie by offering touchless control interfaces based on the phone’s built-in camera. EyeSight developed great technology, but it may be too late to commercialize it. 

EyeSight’s technology utilizes advanced image processing and machine vision algorithms that combine translate user hand movements in front of the phone’s embedded camera into to commands on the cellular handset.  Last year, EyeSight released its first solution for Symbian-enabled devices, aiming on integration in games such as: bowling, golfing, and games that involve shooting and kicking. The first game that uses its technology (and only as far as I could see) is Ninja Strike. The game is available only on Nokia N85 Devices distributed by Orange Israel.

The software is delivered a stand alone component, with a very small footprint and a simple API. EyeSight also offers eyeCall” – a mobile phone call control application. The product uses the visual navigation controls and enables the user to silent an incoming call, by a simple hand motion, without touching the mobile device or keypad. 

In addition, eyeCall offers to send a predefined text message by simply covering the phone with the hand. For instance, when in a meeting, a hand movement above the phone will silent an incoming call, and by simply covering the phone with one’s hand, a predefined text message is sent – for example: “I am currently in a meeting, please call later.” 

Compared to the iPhone, EyeSight’s technology has little to offer. Nokia is missing its version of the app store, and users are not running to install mobile games from rouge sites. Can EyeSight become the Wii technology for the mobile? Only if it can get the right distribution and strong adoption from mobile game developers, which seems highly unlikely. EyeSight was founded in 2004 and is based in Israel.

Watch the video of EyeSight’s products and services:

Thanks for visiting again. If you enjoyed this article, Get VC Cafe delivered by email or subscribe using your Feed Reader and original feed RSS
April 17, 2009 | Comments
Filed Under Israel, gaming, mobile

 

Comments

  • I don?t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. Nice.
  • Rod
    I got it from clickgamer.com

    And it really is fun.
  • Dan
    It isn't only for the N85, I bought Ninja Strike from Orange's portal to my 6120. It is really fun.
  • "Nokia is missing its version of the app store..."

    Nokia Ovi Store arrives in May 2009.
blog comments powered by Disqus

  • Recent Comments

  • Recent Posts