By GG-AngelThanatos 1 year, 11 months ago • 1 Comment
Judy pulls a bowl of popcorn out of the microwave and sets it in her lap. A near-fatal car accident confined her to a wheel chair many years ago. Normally, someone like Judy might have to rely on the assistance of others, but this girl is independent and likes it that way. Popping the first hot kernel into her mouth, she peers over at her computer desk, where her favorite PC game is paused.
The headset she’s wearing instantly detects her brain waves and the wheelchair rolls smoothly out of the kitchen. It stops in front of her desk and a small light, sensing that the headset is near, flickers to green.
Judy concentrates on the cursor and moves it with her mind…her clan mates never know the difference.
The above scenario is fictional, but not for long. Cyberpunk fans rejoice, for mind-controlled technology is here! In fact, you might be surprised to know that not only is it real, it’s available to the general public. Right now. For gamers. And soon? People like Judy.
Now that you’ve successfully done a double-take, spit-take, jaw drop and…well, go change your pants, rest assured that GirlGamer is going to be at this year’s GDC to try it out!
Showing off the latest in mind-controlled gaming technology, NeuroSky returns to the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2010 to let YOU put it to the test. If you’re headed to GDC, be prepared to wait in lines that will make the DMV look convenient.
Can’t make it to GDC or want to try it now? The Star Wars Science – Force Trainer game by Uncle Milton (and powered by the NeuroSky Chip) is available online and I’ve seen prices as low as $65.
NeuroSky isn’t the only one ushering in a new cyberpunk era; in fact, they have some fierce and worthy competition. Keep an eye on this company:
Just as the name suggests, Jedi Mind, Inc. employs brain wave technology that can be used for just about anything. Working in tandem with the Emotive wireless headset (see below video), the company made their mind-controlled game debut this past December with Think-Tac-Toe. Considerably more pricey than the Force Trainer, you can expect to pay upwards of $299 USD for the headset and another $49 for the game.
Although it’s easy to shy away from the more expensive of the two, consider that the Emotiv headset is compatible with everything that Jedi Mind creates. The price of the headset is the same as a video game console, and the applications about the price of a game or special addition version w/ accessories. As gamers, we spend that kind of money all the time.
Prototype demonstrations have shown the ability to lift and raise objects, push, pull and rotate them, as well – all by thinking it. Also, a chat program creates a face representing your own; reading the neurons through your headset, the face actually reflects real-time expressions as you make them.
PC users can now download a $100 application that allows you to control a curser with your mind, using the Emotiv headset. (A video demonstration has been scheduled for release this week)
Although both companies are targeting the gaming industry for entertainment potential, they also hope to use this technology to further medical science, bring hope to the otherwise disabled and help us learn about ourselves.
Now…if only there was a way for me to get paid every time someone pretends to control their friends or significant others.
Gaming smack talk will now include:
“Your powers are weak, old man.”
“Use the Force, Luke!”
“Good one, Professor X”
“Hey, what do you know – you DO have a brain!”
(Feel free to add to the list.)
You won’t be able to make your boss let you off work or have your friend come over and make you a sammich, but the NeuroSky and Emotiv headsets are as 'Pong’ was to the video game industry – the start of something big.
Force, GDC, GG-AngelThanatos, Jedi, Jedi Mind, NeuroSky, PC, Star Wars, brain waves, cyberpunk, disabilities, gaming, headset, medical, mind control, sci-fi, science, technology
AbbyEqualsLove
1 year, 11 months agomind control!
=D