g.tec launches ready-to-go brain computer interface kit

We know what you're thinking [1], how come no-one has made any of the various brain interface technologies out there into a commercial product? Well, your dream last night [2] took a step closer to becoming reality with the announcement of the "ready-to-go" g.BCIsys Brain-Computer interface kit by the Austrian company g.tec. Out of the box, the BCIsys can play simple games and comes with a P300 spelling device which, with a little training, can read your thoughts and place single letters on a screen. Ok, so you're not exactly going to want to throw away your QWERTY just yet, as the P300 can take as many as 20 "flashes" to correctly read the word that you're thinking; nor should the weight conscious be concerned that Wii Sports will be moving back to the sofa just yet, as the only included game is Pong. Also, this system isn't exactly what you'd call a commercial release (lets just say that g.tec's distribution partners aren't the "one click purchase" type). In fact, we can't find any information about how much the kit costs, or even whether simpletons like us would be allowed to get their hands on one. Little steps, little steps.

[1] No, we didn't place one of the brain interface kits onto your head whilst you were sleeping: it's just a turn of phrase ...

[2] ... honest!

[Via gizmag]

[o.reilly.com @ Mar 12th 2007 10:14AM]

Are they out of their mind????


Sorry, couldn't resist.

- Unomi -

[Joel @ Mar 12th 2007 10:34AM]

In 1995 I picked up a little gizmo called a "Mind Mouse" It came bundled with one of a few games. Mind Bowling, a Flight simulator and a lie detector. You strapped it on your index finger and with a little practice could control the thing pretty decently. The lie detector was surprisingly accurate. You would think 12 years later that not only would they have improved on the technology to get it beyond pong, but that you wouldn't have to wear a silly hat crammed with electrodes.

[Jon @ Mar 12th 2007 10:40AM]

This gives someone the chance to call the other player stupid because they suck at the game. They just lack a brain.

[MGX @ Mar 12th 2007 11:05AM]

You'd think that with technology today, they would be able to make that helmet better looking and wireless with something like blue tooth.

[techrobat @ Mar 12th 2007 11:14AM]

Still, this would be great for somebody who can hack this for controlling variety of other stuff... (roombas, robosapiens, etc.)

www.techrobat.com

[Rynth @ Mar 12th 2007 11:16AM]

Its only so long before the program runs renagade and mind-wipes you then turns the entire nation into zombies.. or something.

Anyways, thats creepy, so I wont be swapping my trusty keyboard and mouse for an oh-so-fetching wirey hat thing..

[Matt @ Mar 12th 2007 11:27AM]

You don't play the g.BCIsys, it plays YOU.

[Chuckles McGee @ Mar 12th 2007 12:27PM]

Now I have to think to play video games? Awww man....

[Liam @ Mar 12th 2007 3:16PM]

Caption Contest!

[Ted @ Mar 12th 2007 8:10PM]

http://techmachine.net/news/2007/03/12/gtec-does-brain-controlled-computers/