This new Windows 10 tool could make your next video call much less awkward
“Eye Contact” wants to make video calls on Windows 10 less awkward - but there’s a catch
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Video conferencing calls could be set to become a lot more friendly thanks to a newWindows 10feature fromMicrosoft.
The computing giant has unveiled a new tool in its latestWindows 10 Insider Previewbuild called “Eye Contact” that should make working out where to look to stay engaged on calls easier than before
According to Microsoft, Eye Contact “helps to adjust your gaze" on video calls, allowing you to appear to be making direct eye contact with the other people on your call.
Eye Contact
Eye Contact works on any apps that use the front camera, meaning the likes of Skype andMicrosoft Teamsare able to utilise it fully. It should also work with non-Microsoft services such as Zoom andGoogleMeet too, making your video calls more immersive than ever.
The feature will only work in landscape mode, and Microsoft warns that turning Eye Contact on will drain your device’s battery slightly more.
The bad news, however, is that for the time being, Eye Contact will only work on the company’sMicrosoft Surface Pro X- where it can be activated via the Surface app.
This device is chosen because it is powered by the company’s Microsoft SQ1 processor, featuring integratedARM-based AI (artificial intelligence) processing capabilities. Eye Contact works by using this AI power to essentially make it look like the user’s eyes are looking directly at the camera, even if their gaze is focused elsewhere.
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The news comes shortly after Microsoft Teams added a raft of new features as it looks to stay ahead of the competition.
The company recently unveiled a new “personal life” version of the app that looks to alter the perception of Teams just being a workplace platform. Although still lagging behind market leader Zoom, Microsoft Teams still enjoys a healthy user base across the world, with the company recently revealing it has topped 75 million active daily users.
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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