Japanese Engineer Announces Quest 3 Face & Eye Tracking Addon
Japanese Engineer’s Quest 3 Face and Eye Tracking Add-On Raises Eyebrows and Concerns
A Japanese engineer, known only as “Nami,” is developing a face and eye tracking add-on for the Meta Quest 3, but the project is already facing significant skepticism. Nami, who studied computer vision and currently works for a Japanese car company, has teamed up with VRChat user bbbbb_himiko to promote the device under the name Vlugin. Their product, dubbed the EF Tracker, claims to add both eye and face tracking capabilities to the Quest 3 using three cameras and a series of infrared LEDs. However, questions about the project’s legitimacy and safety are mounting.
Vlugin’s journey began in 2023 as a partnership with Japanese startup diVRse, known for its VRsatile prescription lens inserts. Initially, the team aimed to create a variant of VRsatile with added eye tracking, called VRsatile Eye C. But two days ago, Vlugin announced the partnership had been “terminated,” citing differing development goals. Instead, the team is now focusing on the Quest 3-specific EF Tracker.
The sudden shift has raised eyebrows, especially since Vlugin consists of just one engineer and has only released renders of the EF Tracker—no working prototype. The lack of a tangible product, combined with the dissolution of a partnership with an experienced VR accessory company, has left many skeptical about the project’s viability.
Further complicating matters, Vlugin has been accused of using open-source software without proper attribution or licensing. The lead developer of EyeTrackVR, an open-source eye tracking project, claims Vlugin’s demonstration video features an interface identical to their software. When confronted, Vlugin reportedly denied the claim and deleted the post. Similar accusations have been made regarding Vlugin’s use of Project Babble, an open-source face tracking project, which recently updated its GitHub page to clarify that commercial use requires a license.
Perhaps the most alarming concern is the potential safety risk posed by the EF Tracker’s hardware. Multiple VR experts, including the lead developer of EyeTrackVR, have noted that the camera sensors in Vlugin’s design appear unusually large for eye tracking applications. The sensors are believed to be off-the-shelf components typically used in DIY Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects, not designed for eye tracking.
To achieve clear eye visibility, Vlugin is reportedly using infrared illumination at brightness levels far exceeding recommended safety standards. According to experts, prolonged exposure to such intense infrared light could cause discomfort, eye dryness, and even an increased risk of cataracts due to cornea damage. One developer who tested similar hardware reported immediate eye strain and dryness, raising red flags about the EF Tracker’s safety.
Vlugin isn’t the only company attempting to bring eye tracking to the Quest 3. Last year, startup Inseye announced Lumi, a $160 add-on that uses photosensors instead of cameras. However, Inseye has been quiet about its progress since September. Meanwhile, Meta has ruled out the possibility of an official eye or face tracking add-on for the Quest 3, with the company’s CTO describing the idea as not “credible.”
Despite the challenges, HTC has successfully released eye and face tracking add-ons for its Vive Focus 3, proving that such technology is feasible. Whether Vlugin can deliver a safe and functional product remains to be seen. For now, the EF Tracker is not available for preorder, and no price or release timeline has been announced. Given the concerns surrounding the project, potential buyers are advised to proceed with caution.