Eyechat is changing the way people connect online by allowing users to communicate exclusively through their eyes. Developed by Neal Agarwal, this innovative platform emerged following the closure of Omegle, a well-known video chat site. Eyechat sets itself apart by focusing on non-verbal communication, letting users connect with others from around the world using just their gaze.
Hey, it's time to stare into the eyes of a stranger. Eyechat is out now
— Neal Agarwal (@nealagarwal) July 30, 2024
> https://t.co/RcHmyNQhK9 pic.twitter.com/z0l2QdQp28
A Creative Response to Omegle’s Closure
Neal Agarwal, known for his playful online projects, was inspired to create Eyechat after Omegle shut down. He wanted to preserve the essence of human connection that video chats offered while reducing the potential for misuse. “I’ve always enjoyed exploring new ways for people to interact online, especially when it’s a bit unconventional,” Agarwal shares. With Eyechat, he sought to create a minimal yet meaningful form of video communication.
The Technology Behind Eyechat
Eyechat employs advanced technology to deliver its unique experience. A machine learning model crops the video feed to show only your eyes, ensuring your gaze is the centre of attention. The platform also stabilises this view, which is then transmitted to a random stranger using WebRTC and a peer-to-peer video connection. Unlike older platforms, Eyechat has implemented measures to ensure users’ eyes are visible before they can connect, addressing previous issues of misuse on similar sites.
A New Form of Non-Verbal Communication
User experiences on Eyechat vary. Some interactions last only seconds, while others evolve into playful exchanges of blinks and squints. Agarwal hopes Eyechat reminds people that “the internet can be fun, weird, and collaborative.” He believes the platform offers a unique way for people to connect in ways that were once unimaginable.
“When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
The Creative Mind Behind Eyechat
Neal Agarwal is no stranger to innovative online projects. As the creator of Neal.fun – a collection of quirky, free browser games – Agarwal continues to push the boundaries of online interaction. With Eyechat, he has created a platform that’s both playful and thought-provoking, inviting users to connect in a whole new way.
The Experience: Eye-to-Eye with Strangers
When you log onto Eyechat, your webcam captures only your eyes, cropping out everything else. You then click “Match with stranger” and are instantly connected, eye-to-eye, with someone from an undisclosed location. There’s no audio, no background, just the intensity of your gaze and theirs. It’s a simple yet powerful way to experience human connection, even from afar.
