G-Tec Intendix brain-computer interface ready for consumers (video)
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 10th 2010 11:19AM
posted March 10th 2010 11:19AM
If you've seen G-Tec's thought control cap being used to control a Second Life avatar, play a game of Pong, or make music in an orchestral setting, you probably wondered when the thing would become available for less frivolous pursuits (to help the disabled communicate, for starters). Well, it looks like that day is close at hand: With the brand name Intendix, the €9000 (about $12,250) brain-computer interface gives you everything you need to send text messages with brain activity alone via EEG cap. According to the company, most people achieve five to ten characters per minute the first time they use the thing, with some folks eventually typing as fast as 1 character per second. In addition to text messages, the system can also be used to trigger an alarm, send email, or send commands to external devices. There's no word on a shipping date yet, but we did thoughtfully provide that Second Life demo for you after the break.
made in windows movie maker.... at least dont try to make it obvious
@BubblegumBalloon
the device looks promising though. but I doubt it works as smoothly as demonstrated
@BubblegumBalloon
But, more importantly, can I use it to surf porn "hands-free"?
@Slappy Wag
good point ahahaha xD
@BubblegumBalloon
"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel."
This could be pretty cool with a text-to-speech program!
In the future, we'll all my wearing hoodie brain caps to communicate? Can't wait till they have the tech where you don't have to wear a cap.
@snoxie Brain implants with wireless transmission powered by body heat? Future looks cool :)
@MaTdg
@HookEmHorns
wtf... my comment is gone. nevermind
How about these guys donate one of their own products to Stephen Hawking to replace his antiquated setup. And when it actually functions well enough for Mr Hawking to continue his work...then I'll be impressed.
...and super excited.
@xkaosu9x
Stephen Hawking has a system that's probably faster for long words (each click narrows the possible words by half), and one that he's already used to.
@xkaosu9x
That is the only needed application fro this science that there is. To help the physically impaired.
@superluser
If you look at the top of the screen it starts populating words as well. If the system itself works, extending the dictionary and adjusting it for his most commonly used words would be cake. And while he may be used to the system he has, he and his caretakers have been expressing interest in a new system for years. This being because his current one is so old, outdated, and hard to repair since it was built from scratch solely for him. His current system is also a lot slower because it basically relies on two input functions: "select" and "back". The alphabet is cut into sections and the screen alternates between the sections until he selects one. Then it alternates between the letters until he selects one. So on, so on, and so forth. While there would be a learning curve for this device it could significantly speed up his ability to communicate.
@HardToBelieve You've got to be kidding me. You can't think of any other uses for this beyond helping the physically impaired?
How about sending text messages or controlling a stereo or navigation system while driving? Or controlling a wearable PC, hands-free? Or speeding up control input in video games or any other application by combining this with a traditional mouse & keyboard?
@jimgadgetman
However, Helping the physically impaired is probably the most significant application. I really don't need to text while driving, but for an an amputee, the ability to control a robotic arm or leg with thought may be life-changing.
Also - there is big money in the medical field. HMOs make billions - and if this tech is mass produced it could be quite profitable.
@xkaosu9x Hawking refuses to upgrade his system and has even copyrighted the voice he uses.
BTW has anyone considered putting one of these things on their family pet? You can now play second life with fido!
What the heck was going on with the flashing letters? It committed like 2 characters in like 20 seconds.
Dammit Jim, I'm a Doctor, not a machine!
Aiming on fps games would be fun.
I could think of so many uses for this. Definitely awesome tech.
@Mr Oos
Go ahead and name some. I for one can't think of any uses for this for people who aren't handicapped. The novelty factor will wear of very fast. Keyboards are much better for typing, and controllers are much better for controlling Second Life avatars.
@Bushrod
If they don't increase the speed to be comparable with keyboards this is pointless. Also it will have to be cross-platform especially with mobile devices.
@Bushrod
I'm going to use this to control my Martin Jetpack with just my brain.
Add a pair of goony 3D glasses and the look is complete.
Yeah, not so sure I want anyone or anything reading my mind....
The obvious benefit is I won't have to type the porn sites in anymore.
this would be a nice upgrade for Sir Stephen Hawking
@Ren021
he has a better device.
I'll wait for Engadget's heads on review before I go out and buy one.
This is AWESOME! So many disabled people are going to be able to type with so much less effort!
@Smurf
so many RICH disabled people!
and @GN1
Don't worry I'm sure the allmighty GAP-Sri Lanka Alliance will be crankin out these puppies in no time.
Nice, I've been in the market for a stylish beanie, imma wait till this puppy goes on sale though, I hope Gap would carry it.
@GN1 ...and hopefully in a variety of colors.
It's so mesmerizing, you forget you're watching a naked man hump a pole (0:42)
Gotta be careful with this one. People are not always typing what they thinking. "Eat $h1t and d1e" oops I meant, thank you for your time!
im pretty sure there's a significant brain wave difference between thinking "eat shit and die" and deliberately thinking "type e-a-t (space) s-h-i-t..."
The age of the bald people is upon us.
Reminds me of Family Guy when Quagmire got his brain scanned by the police van...
"Man this itches. I wonder where I got it from. Probably that skank at the petrol station. Last time I do someone a favour. Oh god, I think they heard me. Oh GOD, I can hear me!! Na na-na na na na na na na, naaaa"
I'm glad to see neural input devices starting to take shape! Pretty soon you will just put on the halo and control everything in your system with your thoughts.