Umoove

Last updated
Umoove
TypeLTD
IndustryMobile software development, gesture recognition
FoundedIsrael (2010)
FoundersYitzi Kempinski, Tuvia Elbaum, Nir Blushtein
Headquarters
Jerusalem   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
,
Israel  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Yitz Kempinski (CEO, CTO)
Tuvia Elbaum (CMO [1] )
Nir Blushtein
Products AAC devices
Eye tracking for mobile devices smartphones and tablet computers based on built-in 2D cameras
Number of employees
15 (2013) [2]
Website www.Umoove.me

Umoove is a high tech startup company that has developed and patented a software-only face and eye tracking technology. The idea was first conceived as an attempt to aid people with disabilities but has since evolved. The only compatibility qualification for tablet computers and smartphones to run Umoove software is a front-facing camera. Umoove headquarters are in Israel on Jerusalem’s Har Hotzvim.

Contents

Umoove has 15 employees and received two million dollars in financing in 2012. The company's original founders invested around $800,000 to start the business in 2010. [3] In 2013 Umoove was named one of the top three most promising Israeli start ups by Newsgeeks magazine. [4] The company also participated in the 2013 LeWeb conference in Paris, France, where innovative technology startups are showcased. [5]

Technology

The technology uses information extracted from previous frames, such as the angle of the user's head to predict where to look for facial targets in the next frame. [6] This anticipation minimizes the amount of computation needed to scan each image. [7] Umoove accounts for variances in environment, lighting conditions and user hand shake/movement. The technology is designed to provide a consistent experience, whether you're in a brightly lit area or a darkened basement, and to work fluidly between them by adapting its processing when it detects color and brightness shifts. It uses an active stabilization technique to filter out natural body movements from an unstable camera in order to minimize false-positive motion detection. [8]

Running the Umoove software on a Samsung Galaxy S3 is said to take up only 2% CPU. [7] Umoove works exclusively with software and there is no hardware add-on necessary. It can be run on any smartphone or tablet computer that has a front-facing camera. Umoove claims that even a low-quality camera on an old device will run their software flawlessly.

Umoove Experience

In January 2014 Umoove released its first game onto the app store. [9] [10] The Umoove Experience game lets users control where they are 'flying' in the game through simple gestures and motions with their head. The avatar will basically go toward wherever the user looks. [11] The game was created to showcase the technology for game developers [12] but that did not stop some from criticizing its simplicity. [13] Umoove also announced that they raised another one million dollars and that they are opening offices in Silicon Valley, California.[ needs update ] [1]

In February 2014, Umoove announced that their face-tracking software development kit is available for Android developers as well as iOS. [14]

Reviews

The Umoove Experience garnered mostly positive reviews [15] from bloggers and mainstream media with some predicting that it could be the future of mobile gaming. [11] Mashable wrote that Umoove's technology could be the emergence of gesture recognition technology in the mobile space, similar to Kinect with console gaming and what Leap Motion has done with desktop computers. [16]

Some, however, remain skeptical. CNET, for example, did not give the game a positive review and called the eye tracking technology 'freaky but cool'. They also noted that pioneering technologies have been known to fall short of expectations, citing Apple Inc’s Siri as an example. The technology blog GigaOM said that the Umoove Experience is ’awesome’ [15] and technology evangelist Robert Scoble has called Umoove "brilliant". [17]

uHealth

In January 2015, Umoove released uHealth, a mobile application that uses eye tracking game-like exercise to challenge the user's ability to be attentive, continuously focus, follow commands and avoid distractions. The app is designed in the form of two games, one to improve attention and another that hones focus. [18] uHealth is a training tool, not a diagnostic. Umoove has stated that they want to use their technology for diagnosing neurological disorders but this will depend on clinical tests and FDA approval. [19] The company cites the direct relationship between eye movements and brain activity as well as various vision-based therapies have been backed by many scientific studies conducted over the past decades. uHealth is the first time this type of therapy is delivered right to the end user through a simple download. [20]

Collaboration rumors

In March 2013 there were rumors on the internet that Umoove would be the functioning software embedded into the Samsung Galaxy S4, which was due to launch that month. This rumor was perpetrated by, among others, New York Times, [3] Techcrunch [8] and Yahoo. [21] Once Samsung launched without the Umoove technology rumors about a potential collaboration with Apple Inc hit the web. It has been said that due to the fact that Apple Inc is losing market share and stock value to Samsung they will be more aggressive and eye tracking is a logical place to make that move. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartphone</span> Handheld mobile device

A smartphone is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone functions and computing functions into one unit. They are distinguished from older-design feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, which facilitate wider software, access to the internet, and multimedia functionality, alongside core phone functions such as voice calls and text messaging. Smartphones typically contain a number of metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit (IC) chips, include various sensors that can be leveraged by pre-installed and third-party software, and support wireless communication protocols. More recently, smartphone manufacturers have begun to integrate satellite messaging connectivity and satellite emergency services into devices for use in remote regions where there is no reliable cellular network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">App Store (iOS/iPadOS)</span> Digital application distribution platform for iOS and iPadOS

The App Store is an app marketplace developed and maintained by Apple Inc., for mobile apps on its iOS and iPadOS operating systems. The store allows users to browse and download approved apps developed within Apple's iOS SDK. Apps can be downloaded on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, and some can be transferred to the Apple Watch smartwatch or 4th-generation or newer Apple TVs as extensions of iPhone apps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shazam (application)</span> Music identification application

Shazam is an application that can identify music, movies, advertising, and television shows, based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device. It was created by London-based Shazam Entertainment, and has been owned by Apple Inc. since 2018. The software is available for Android, macOS, iOS, Wear OS, watchOS and as a Google Chrome extension.

GestureTek is an American-based interactive technology company headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with offices in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario and Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PrimeSense</span> Former Israeli company

PrimeSense was an Israeli 3D sensing company based in Tel Aviv. PrimeSense had offices in Israel, North America, Japan, Singapore, Korea, China and Taiwan. PrimeSense was bought by Apple Inc. for $360 million on November 24, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bump (application)</span> Discontinued file sharing app

Bump! is a discontinued iOS and Android mobile app that enables smartphone users to transfer contact information, photos and files between devices. In 2011, it was #8 on Apple's list of all-time most popular free iPhone apps, and by February 2013 it had been downloaded 125 million times. Its developer, Bump Technologies, shut down the service and discontinued the app on January 31, 2014, after being acquired by Google for Google Photos and Android Camera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartwatch</span> Wearable computer in the form of a watch

A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a watch; modern smartwatches provide a local touchscreen interface for daily use, while an associated smartphone app provides management and telemetry, such as long-term biomonitoring. While early models could perform basic tasks, such as calculations, digital time telling, translations, and game-playing, smartwatches released since 2015 have more general functionality closer to smartphones, including mobile apps, a mobile operating system and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. Some smartwatches function as portable media players, with FM radio and playback of digital audio and video files via a Bluetooth headset. Some models, called watch phones, have mobile cellular functionality such as making telephone calls.

A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on desktop computers, and web applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leap Motion</span> Former American company

Leap Motion, Inc. was an American company that manufactured and marketed a computer hardware sensor device that supports hand and finger motions as input, analogous to a mouse, but requires no hand contact or touching. In 2016, the company released new software designed for hand tracking in virtual reality. The company was sold to the British company Ultrahaptics in 2019, which rebranded the two companies under the new name Ultraleap.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft SwiftKey</span> Virtual keyboard app

Microsoft SwiftKey is a virtual keyboard app originally developed by TouchType for Android and iOS devices. It was first released for Android in July 2010, followed by an iOS release in September 2014 following Apple's implementation of third-party keyboard support.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy S4</span> Android smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is an Android smartphone produced by Samsung Electronics as the fourth smartphone of the Samsung Galaxy S series and was first shown publicly on March 14, 2013, at Samsung Mobile Unpacked in New York City. It is the successor to the Galaxy S III, which maintains a similar design, but with upgraded hardware, more sensors, and an increased focus on software features that take advantage of its hardware capabilities—such as the ability to detect when a finger is hovered over the screen, and expanded eye tracking functionality, it was released the previous year. A hardware variant of the S4 became the first smartphone to support the emerging LTE Advanced mobile network standard. The T-Mobile version of the Galaxy S4, named the model (SGH-M919), was released the same month. The phone's successor, the Samsung Galaxy S5, was released the next year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy Note 3</span> 2013 Android smartphone by Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is an Android phablet smartphone produced by Samsung Electronics as part of the Samsung Galaxy Note series. The Galaxy Note 3 was unveiled on September 4, 2013, with its worldwide release beginning later in the month. Serving as a successor to the Galaxy Note II, the Note 3 was designed to have a lighter, more upscale design than previous iterations of the Galaxy Note series, and to expand upon the stylus and multitasking-oriented functionality in its software—which includes a new pie menu opened through the button on the stylus for quick access to pen-enabled apps, along with pop-up apps and expanded multi-window functionality. It additionally features new sensors, a USB 3.0 port, 3 GB of RAM, and its video camera has been upgraded to 2160p (4K) resolution and doubled framerate of 60 at 1080p, placing it among the earliest smartphones to be equipped with any of these.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy S5</span> Android-based smartphone by Samsung Electronics

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is an Android-based smartphone unveiled, produced, released and marketed by Samsung Electronics as part of the Samsung Galaxy S series. Unveiled on 24 February 2014 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, it was released on 11 April 2014 in 150 countries as the immediate successor to the Galaxy S4. As with the S4, the S5 is an evolution of the prior year's model, placing a particular emphasis on an improved build with a textured rear cover and IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, a more refined user experience, new security features such as a fingerprint reader and private mode, expanded health-related features including a built-in heart rate monitor, a USB 3.0 port, and an updated camera featuring speedy auto-focus through phase-detection as well as video resolution upgraded to 2160p (4K) and framerate at 1080p doubled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartglasses</span> Wearable computers glasses

Smartglasses or smart glasses are eye or head-worn wearable computers that offer useful capabilities to the user. Many smartglasses include displays that add information alongside or to what the wearer sees. Alternatively, smartglasses are sometimes defined as glasses that are able to change their optical properties, such as smart sunglasses that are programmed to change tint by electronic means.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Google Fit</span> Health-tracking platform by Google

Google Fit is a health-tracking platform developed by Google for the Android operating system, Wear OS and Apple Inc.'s iOS. It is a single set of APIs that blends data from multiple apps and devices. Google Fit uses sensors in a user's activity tracker or mobile device to record physical fitness activities, which are measured against the user's fitness goals to provide a comprehensive view of their fitness.

Onavo was an Israeli mobile web analytics company owned by Meta Platforms. The company primarily performed its activities via consumer mobile apps, including the virtual private network (VPN) service Onavo Protect, which analysed web traffic sent through the VPN to provide statistics on the usage of other apps.

Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center (SSIC) is a division of Samsung Electronics. It works with entrepreneurs and corporate partners to invest in disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, digital health, mobility, Internet of Things and other consumer-facing applications of data-driven technology.

References

  1. 1 2 "GeekTime" . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  2. ↑ "SpectrumWebsite" . Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 "NewYorkTimes". 12 March 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  4. ↑ "Israel21C". 18 April 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  5. ↑ "LeWebsite" . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  6. ↑ Pozin, Ilya. "10 Health Tech Companies Changing The World". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
  7. 1 2 "SpectrumWebsite" . Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  8. 1 2 "TechCrunch". 13 March 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  9. ↑ "iTunes". iTunes . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  10. ↑ "Umoove Launches iOS Game To Make The Case For A Face-Tracking Gesture Interface On Mobile". TechCrunch. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
  11. 1 2 "BGRwebsite" . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  12. ↑ "TUAWWEBSITE" . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  13. ↑ "CNETWEBSITE" . Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "TechCrunchFeb14". 19 February 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Gigaom" . Retrieved 19 February 2014.
  16. ↑ "Mashable". Mashable . 16 January 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  17. ↑ "ScoblePlus" . Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  18. ↑ "CTV". 7 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  19. ↑ "TimesofIsraelShamah". The Times of Israel . Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  20. ↑ "RapidNewsNetwork" . Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  21. ↑ "Yahoo" . Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  22. ↑ "TimesofIsrael". The Times of Israel . Retrieved 12 September 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.