Samsung Galaxy S4 Eye Scroll filing hints at tracking innovations

Samsung has filed a trademark application for new eye-scrolling technology, hinting its forthcoming Galaxy S4 could feature advanced eye tracking capabilities.

The Eye Scroll application was filed by Samsung on 23 January and refers to custom eye tracking technology for mobile devices.

Specifically, the technology is described as: "Computer application software having a feature of sensing eye movements and scrolling displays of mobile devices, namely, mobile phones, smartphones and tablet computers according to eye movements; digital cameras; mobile telephones; smartphones; tablet computers."

Samsung declined V3's request for comment whether the technology would appear on the Galaxy S4.

However, the New York Times reported an anonymous source had confirmed the Galaxy S4 will feature advanced eye tracking capabilities.

The source confirmed the S4 will be able to track users' eye movements to detect when they have read to the bottom of the screen and automatically scroll down.

Facial recognition and tracking features were initially introduced to Samsung smartphones on the Galaxy S3.

The phone features a Smart Stay feature so it knows when users are looking at the screen, ensuring it will not turn off or go to sleep when being used, or will switch itself off if no-one is looking at it, to save battery life.

The Galaxy S4 is set to be unveiled in New York on 14 March. Check back with V3 then for live coverage of the event.

Samsung has already begun issuing teaser videos about the launch, as you can see below: