A mind-controlled gaming headset has been unveiled. A neuroheadset that allows the wearer to play videogames simply by thinking will go on sale later this year!

The Emotiv EPOC “brain-computer interface device” looks like a headphone strap with 14 neurosensors that branch off it like fingers. The sensors sit on the sides of the temple and top of the head. The device can detect conscious thoughts, areas of brain activity, facial expressions and even some emotions such as frustration, shock and anger.

“Being able to control a computer with your mind is the ultimate quest of human-machine interaction” says Emotiv Systems CEO, Nam Do. Emotiv also said it would work with computer giant IBM to explore potential business uses for the technology, including virtual training and simulation courses.

Gaming journalist Brian Crecente, who tried the EPOC says “To start you need to quickly synch your brain, teaching the computer to recognise the thought you use to perform the specific action. In my case I imagined the box in the centre of the monitor drifting away. After doing this for a second or two, while the program ‘recorded’ they asked me to give it a try and it worked. Imagining the box floating up off the top of the screen, I was surprised to see it waver and then slowly move upwards until it disappeared.”

Story: The Australian