What if you could control the world with a single thought?
This imagination-grabbing headline was the message from the NextMind product video, showcasing the “small but powerful,” innovative, brain-sensing wearable. I was instantly hooked… finally, my ambition of becoming a Jedi was one step closer.
Author:
Daniel Stringer, Lead Immersive Developer
In a nutshell, NextMind attaches to a VR headset and allows the wearer to control the digital environment they’re immersed in by sensing their thoughts.
Image courtesy of NextMind
Imagine you’re invited to a virtual environment…
I tried to do this, and my mind went straight to a dark room with zombies trying to get through the door. I need to barricade this door, but I can’t move! All I can do is use the power of my brain (which most people will tell you is not great). I focus on a special graphic in the 3D environment known as a “tag,” which is next to some furniture. I focus on the tag, using all of my limited brainpower. While trying not to panic at the thought of being zombie lunch, my visual cortex generates electrical brain waves that get picked up by the NextMind Sensor. These waves are decoded using machine learning and will pinpoint the object of focus. The zombies are still piling up outside the door, so I focus harder… the neural feedback on the object increases, and my thoughts are translated, resulting in the furniture sliding up against the door, creating a barricade. That was close. Luke Skywalker never had these problems.
In the last few years, virtual reality has gone from strength to strength and will continue to get stronger. We’ve seen Oculus completely remove the need for controllers and now, with NextMind, we don’t even need hands. We can use our brains and affect the virtual and real – yes, real – world around us.
When it comes to events…
I can see massive potential for NextMind revolutionizing future attendee experiences, because its technology isn’t just limited to the virtual space – it can control various interfaces as well. The promotional video shows lights being controlled and even a DJ using it to control features of their set.
Image courtesy of NextMind
I can see it being used for XR experiences on event stands – for example, imagine an experience that was driven by brainpower alone or a collaborative experience where teams worked together using their combined neural strength to achieve a goal or objective. It would make for such an involved experience and deliver a lasting impression!
Wrap up.
In short, this product allows developers to create amazing experiences with a new input mechanic that will make the user feel like they are really there in the moment. I can also see how a device like this could open up virtual reality and real-world interfaces to people who aren’t able to physically use controllers, buttons, or switches. Developers can make experiences accessible to everybody.
And the best bit… development kits are already available, allowing studios – and you – to start unleashing their own amazing brain-controlled experiences.