While most have yet to hear about a powerful next-generation computer interface called the"Brain Computer Interface"or BCI,it's one that's getting more attention from gaming companies like Secret Exit and Sony who are now actively researching and developing such an interface for current and future gaming.While it`s true that the full potential of this interface is a decade or more away,one famous pioneer in this field foresees a coming Glass war between Apple,Google and others on this very front.Today`s report briefly covers one of the pioneering companies in this field who have just released their latest product called the"Muse."It`s one of the first products that have pushed the BCI into real world games like Zen Bound 2 for Apple`s iPad.While we can't consider this product a Killer App at this point in time for the BCI,it's likely the first of many products to come to market that will pave the way for a big breakthrough in the future.And considering that a luminary in this field is forecasting a war between Apple and Google on this front via Glass-based wearable computers,we thought it was time to bring this technology back into the spotlight once again.
Video:Zen Bound 2 for the iPad using a Brain Computer Interface
InteraXon,leaders in thought controlled experiences,have connected brainwaves to the iPad in a new application that puts BCI technology in the palm of your hand.InteraXon has partnered with Secret Exit,adding a new thought-controlled element to the award winning ZenBound 2.
Creator of Minority Report Movie Interfaces Loves InteraXon's Work
John Underkoffler,Chief Scientist at Oblong Industries who inspired and made the user interfaces in the film the Minority Report,stated in InteraXon's introductory video noted below that"as one who is deeply interested in cognitive science,I want to start writing apps right away that try to correlate what I can perceive as my internal state.I think that there's stuff to be discovered there."We originally coveredUnderkoffler's work back in June 2010.
Another luminary who comments in InteraXon's video shown below is none other than Canadian Steve Mann,forefather of wearable computing.MIT's Nicholas Negroponte said of Mann:"he brought the seed that founded the Wearable Computing group in the Media Lab."
For the record,Mann is one who helped InteraXon get off the ground and is currently experimenting with thought-controlled computing.Mann stated that he's also developing a technology that would allow blind people to see.Wikipedia covers this aspect of brain computing interfaces under"Invasive BCI's."
In a recent New York Times report about brain-computer-interfaces and wearable computing,Steve Mann was asked the question:"Will all computer companies make a version of glass?
Mann replied:"Yes.There will be Apple Glass,and Google Glass,and RIM Glass.These companies are all working on glass.I think everyone is going to be making glass.I think we're also going to have a glass war instead of a smartphone war."Products like Glass will introduce simplistic elements of the brain-computer interface.
To date,Apple has three known glass related patents(one,two,and three).
Introducing Muse:The Brainwave Sensing Headband
Last week,Ariel Garten,Founder and CEO of InteraXon,introduced their new product called Muse:The brainwave sensing headband that is changing the way the world thinks.Here's their video message.
Muse uses sensors to pick up the tiny electrical outputs generated by your brain's activity.As you shift between states like concentration and relaxation,Muse's algorithms detect the subtle changes in your brain and show you those changes in real time,just like a heart rate monitor can provide information about your physical activity.
These signals can be used in a number of ways.InteraXon is looking to use these brainwaves to interact with devices in the real world--devices that respond to your thoughts like turning off your smart phone when you are asleep or turning off the TV.But just as important is how seeing your brainwaves can help you learn more about yourself and improve yourself while strengthening your brain.
Muse sits across your forehead like a headband,and rests behind your ears like a pair of glasses.When properly worn,the EEG(electroencephalography)sensors on the front of the band make contact on your forehead,and the reference sensors on the arms rest on the backs of your ears.Muse connects wirelessly to your devices via Bluetooth.Once Muse is on,you'll hardly notice it at all.
About the Apps Shown Above:1.This illustration of a focus training app shows how brainwave data can help you track your progress over time;2.A personal tracking app,like the one in this concept illustration could let you track your brainstate throughout the day.
Another company that is advancing the brain computer interface is Emotiv Systems.Their TED presentation,as noted below,was well received.It`s here where you could actually see the technology in action.It`s where you could see how this technology could be integrated into future gaming applications from Sony and others.
