 We like to make things easier for ourselves at Absolute Gadget. We already have on order a fridge that can throw beer at us, saving us the problem of getting up to go to the kitchen. Now we are looking to do away with controllers for our game consoles. Luckily for us, boffins in Australia have invented a headset that allows you to control your PS3 or Wii with your thoughts alone.
Scientists at Emotiv Systems have created the first brain computer interface technology that can detect and process both human conscious thoughts and non-conscious emotions. The technology, which comprises a headset and a suite of applications, allows computers to differentiate between particular thoughts such as lifting an object or rotating it; detect and mimic a user's expressions, such as a smile or wink; and respond to emotions such as excitement or calmness.
"The next major wave of technology innovation will change the way humans interact with computers," said Nam Do, co-founder and CEO of Emotiv Systems. "As the massive adoption of concepts such as social networking and virtual worlds has proven, we are incorporating computer-based activities not only into the way we work, learn, and communicate but also into the way we relax, socialize and entertain ourselves. The next step is to enhance these experiences by making the way we interact with computers more lifelike."
The company is targeting the games industry as and has already released a development kit to allow games to incorporate the headset technology. Emotiv Systems said that the headset will dramatically change the gaming experience by making it more immersed, intuitive and personal. The company reckons that the technology has the potential to be applied to numerous industries, including interactive television, accessibility design, market research, medicine, and security.
"Computer games have evolved dramatically, but the way players interface with a game has remained more or less constant. Innovations in this field have been extremely successful but few and far between," said Ed Fries, board director of Emotiv. "Brain computer interface technology presents an opportunity to revolutionize the gaming experience. Emotiv's work signifies a real breakthrough in the space and, for the first time, makes it possible to use human thoughts and emotions to influence and enhance the gaming experience."
However we can help but think it will make you look like Davros, leader of the Daleks.
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