Mobile Technology

Goodbye touchscreen? XWave brainwave interface for iDevices unveiled

Goodbye touchscreen? XWave brainwave interface for iDevices unveiled
XWave is an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad compatible device that detects brainwaves
XWave is an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad compatible device that detects brainwaves
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The XWave app
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The XWave app
XWave is an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad compatible device that detects brainwaves
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XWave is an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad compatible device that detects brainwaves
The XWave headset
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The XWave headset
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Until humans evolve huge brains like the Talosians, it seems we’ll have to rely on electronic headwear to allow us to control devices with our brainwaves – electronic headwear like the XWave from California-based company PLX Devices. The XWave is the first brainwave interface accessory for the iPhone/iPod touch/iPad that is worn over the head like a pair of headphones. Unfortunately, the device won’t allow you to scroll through playlists or select a contact to call with the power of your mind. Rather, like the Star Wars Force Trainer, it detects your attention and meditation levels for use in games and getting the old gray matter into shape.

The XWave is powered by technology provided by Neurosky Inc. and the device itself is not dissimilar to that company’s MindSet headset we first saw at the Tokyo Game Show back in 2008. Like the MindSet, the XWave incorporates a single electrode that sits in contact with the wearer’s forehead to read brainwave information, or electroencephalography (EEG) data, and converts these analog signals into digital so they can be used

The XWave headset
The XWave headset

The device comes bundled with the XWave app that includes a number of exercises aimed at training your brain. Objectives include levitating a ball on the iDevice’s screen, changing a color based on the relaxation level of your brain and training your brain to maximize its attention span.

The XWave app
The XWave app

PLX Devices is also providing 3rd party software developers an SDK to allow them to design and develop apps using the XWave device. The company reports that some apps already in development include games in which objects are controlled by the wearer’s mind and another that allows the wearer to control the lights in their home or select music based on their mood.

The XWave will be available for preorder from PLX Devices now for US$100 ahead of an October 2010 release.

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5 comments
5 comments
Adrian Akau
I think an interface such as this one might eventually be used to control the extension/retraction of the side mirrors of cars. It would reduce the coefficient of drag. However, the laws reguarding the permanent positioning of mirrors would have to be reconsidered.
Anumakonda Jagadeesh
Good way of adoption of BIOMIMICRY.

Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India
windykites
Hey, Adrian, your comment is lateral thinking at its finest. I don\'t somehow think they will reconsider changing the law to suit your desire for drag reduction.
How about driving by thought control?
Dana Lawton
Interesting device. I just watched the promo video at the PLX website and still think its not yet to the level of a \"killer app\". That said... if this headset is indeed picking up brainwaves and the software is translating them then it is a great start at commercializing \"mind control\". I just want something a bit more concrete and I doubt this headset has sensitive enough sensors to do the trick.
Jonathan Carcopo
yawn, fart