When we tried out a prototype of Tobii's eye controller this time last year, it made us believe in technology again. Unlike many prototypes, though, it's now a real thing.


Tobii has announced the launch of REX: a USB-connected device that allows computers to be controlled using Gaze UI. That software lets users navigate, zoom, select and scroll using their eyes alone—and it worked a dream with Windows 8.


The device itself is little larger than a pen, and sits at the bottom of a PC screen—as pictured below—in order to track eye movements. It works with any computer running Windows 8. The good news is that Tobii plans to be shipping the thing to consumers this year; the bad news is that it expects the first production run to provide just 5,000 units. So, if you want one, you'll have to act quickly when they're released.

Or, if you feel so inclined, you could get your hands on the special developers edition, baked into a laptop (above) and available from today, to test out the device and its capabilities. But that'll set you back $1,000. Currently there's no word on pricing for the consumer edition. [Engadget]