Posted Feb 20, 2008 at 10:59AM by Charles D. Listed in: News Tags: Wiimote, headset, prototype, IBM, Emotiv
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Logo of Emotive Systems, developers of the Emotiv EPOC - Image 1Just when you thought virtual gaming doesn't get any better than Nintendo's Wiimote, here comes a new idea from Emotiv Systems that explores the possibilities of brain-controlled gaming: the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset.

The Emotiv EPOC uses a high-fidelity brain computer interface (BCI) which allows the headset to pick up the neuron signals from your brain and transmit them onto your character in the game. This enables you to control your character's facial expressions, actions and influence gameplay using your actual thoughts and emotions.

Nam Do, CEO of Emotiv Systems, described the new technology by saying:

When integrated into games, virtual worlds and other simulated environments, this technology will have a profound impact on the user’s experience. Since announcing our prototype last year, we’ve made dramatic technological breakthroughs in order to create the first wearable, affordable brain-controlled gaming headset. We’re excited to see our vision realized this year and look forward to enabling gamers out there to experience brain-controlled gaming for themselves.


Emotiv Systems has already signed up with IBM to help explore the potential of the BCI technology beyond the gaming market. They are looking into building virtual world environments which will be totally immersive and lifelike. Ideas like virtual training simulators for industries such as enterprise and government is just the tip of the iceberg that IBM is looking to explore.

The Emotiv EPOC device is slated to be released through selected retailers in late 2008 for a recommended retail price of US$ 299. So people who want to put a new kind of thinking cap on for their gaming pleasure might want to start saving up for this neat gadget.

Thanks to Sembazuru for the tip!


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8 Comments


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   by humza08 - 2008-02-20
 » .

You're all just jelous.........because I am first. Oh Yeah!!!


   Re: Goobers - 2008-02-20
 » hum...

doubt you'd believe me if i said i wasn't jealous about you being first... but i'm definitely not jealous about your inability to spell jealous.

though i might've been jealous if you had actually managed to STAY ON TOPIC.

as for the headset... looks cool.

i think one way to really make use of it is in the virtual worlds/first person apps (games or conference or whatever).

add a little visor to it, and on the visor would be a mini-display. you can tack on motion sensing so that you could use the entire headset to look and move around. then have gloves that allow you to manipulate the environment.

   Re: Sembazuru - 2008-02-21
 » Ummm.... Technically

Yeah... I'm not really "jelous"... Considering I'm technically the first because I dropped the tip.

But back on topic, I just checked out their website and found that you can "Reserve" (read pre-order) a headset at:
http://emotiv.com/corporate/2_0/2_4.htm

I hope some Sony devs look at this and start to work in control through this headset as an option to games. (Or develop it further as a standard controller for the PS4 in 5 years.)
   by Advertising -
   by Koru-Kun - 2008-02-20
 » oh man

Jackie-boy Thompson would have a field day with this sort of interface if kids were caught playing a "crime spree simulator" like GTA or Devil May Cry with it.

   by Karuto - 2008-02-20
 » Awesome!

I'll be the first one in line to pick up one of these bad boys. It reminds me a lot of the .hack franchise, in that everything is enveloped in virtual reality. Just think: soon, you'll be able to -feel- your jugular vein being ripped apart by a piano wire from Agent 47 himself.


   Re: Eclipze_ - 2008-02-20
 » No thanks O_O

I'd rather not "feel my jugular vein being ripped apart by a piano wire from Agent 47 himself".. And thats not the point of this headset, its not to "feel" stuff, its to basically controll stuff with your head.

   Re: Karuto - 2008-02-21
 » lol

I was not saying right now. That's why I said, "soon", as in eventually you'll be so involved with your character with all five of your senses, you'll be able to see, think, smell, taste, and even feel what's going on. Sorry for the misinterpretation. +]
   by Silver-Tiger - 2008-02-21
 » ....

holy sh...
Gaming Experience is getting REALLY cool...



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