Comcast X1 Remote Update Enables Eye Control for Certain TV Functions

A new feature for Comcast cable customers allows eye control via the X1 remote, said the company Monday. That lets people with physical disabilities control basic TV functions with eye gazes. "Changing the channel on a TV is something most of us take for granted but until now, it was a near-impossible task for millions,” said Tom Wlodkowski, vice president-accessibility. X1 eye control is free and uses a web page remote control available to subscribers with login credentials. The feature works with existing eye gaze hardware and software, sip-and-puff switches and other assistive technologies, it said. To make eye control work, customers go to xfin.tv/access and use their credentials to pair the web-based remote with their set-top-box. After that, each time the customer gazes at a button, the web-based remote sends the corresponding command to the television, it said. Control examples include changing channels, launching the guide, searching for content, and setting a recording. Viewers can use a gaze to type out voice commands such as “watch NBC” or “action movies” via the X1, it said.