Video calls, while necessary, often lack the naturalness of one-on-one conversations, causing fatigue and reduced engagement. There are many tools out there to help you maintain eye contact when talking to people online — some (Braiding, CenterCam) place the camera in front of your screen. Others use AI to edit the video stream to make it look like you’re looking at the camera (autofocus is creepy when it’s not done right). eyeQ takes a different approach, and we took a closer look at CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
The simple yet smart device attaches to your laptop and, through the use of a mirror, enables you to maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to, even when you’re looking at your screen.
The need for such a device is more pressing than ever. ONE recent study from Stanford University highlighted the severe impact of video call fatigue on workers. The lack of personal connection and the inability to maintain eye contact during video calls are major contributing factors to this issue.
If you look closely, you can see the camera in the dark. Image Credits: TechCrunch / Haje Kamps
“When you’re on a video call, you’re usually faced with the dilemma of choosing between your camera or your screen. To address this, we developed a device that combines both elements, similar to a telemarketer. In its compact form, it looks like an iPad Pro, but it can be unfolded and placed on your laptop,” explains Gert Maass, founder and CEO of eyeQ in an interview with TechCrunch. “This device has a transparent mirror, which allows you to see through it while a camera located under half of the mirror captures your image. It is designed for easy installation, takes only a few seconds and is connected via a USB cable. This device is adaptable for both laptop and desktop displays.”
The device is expected to launch in June 2024 and is compatible with all major video platforms. It comes in three sizes to fit any screen and includes an Ultra HD 4K camera, a digital microphone and a stylish recycled leather cover.
“Our main focus is on online healthcare and consulting markets, where making authentic eye contact is crucial. Our solution offers a more natural look compared to existing AI-based options,” says Maass.
The solution is elegant, except that it becomes difficult to type when the device is installed on your laptop — obviously not a problem if you have an external keyboard, but it means it’s less of a tool for road warriors and more for people who have a more permanent office establishment.
