InterAxon Muse: Brainwave Headband Offers Thought Controlled Computing

The Muse from InterAxon is a brainwave-sensing headband that offers “Thought Controlled Computing” to the masses. Crowdfunded startup InterAxon announced plans to begin selling Muse to consumers in spring 2013.

According to Tech Spot, InterAxon has been around since 2007, but they will be the first company to offer a commercially viable device for Thought Controlled Computing. The idea is that the Muse headband will interpret electromagnetic waves emitted by the human brain. The headband then uses Bluetooth to connect to your tablet or smartphone to allow for advanced functionality.

The asking price for the Muse will only be $199. For anyone wanting to save money now they’ll have until December 7 to make a contribution to the startup’s Indigogo crowdfunding campaign. A contribution of $135 or higher will guarantee contributors at least one Muse headband of their own when the brainy device finally ships.

InterAxon has previously demonstrated mind-controlled objects and thought-driven games with the funniest example being a mind-controlled beer tap. InterAxon says over the next 10 years, it’ll be focusing on brain-controlled toys, games, and more. In the past, I’ve seen similar products intended for PC gaming, which allows users to control First Person Shooters such as Halo with thoughts and eye movements.

Currently, mentally manipulating objects with Muse is something that’s still in its infancy. There is also a learning curve to properly using such devices for advanced tasks. In the long term, InterAxon hopes this device might help disabled people who are physically limited. A future Muse headband might allow a disabled person to drive and steer an electric wheelchair … perhaps even a car.

Because of these limitations, InterAxon is currently marketing the Muse as a useful brain training tool. When Muse wearers are intensely focused, feeling relaxed, glowing with happiness, or floundering off task, the headband will be able to tell. One funny feature was the ability to write mood-colored texts, so the recipient gets an idea of how you’re feeling. InterAxon says the Muse can provide cues for when users lose focus on important tasks. For business managers, this feature could be a valuable tool for developing better productivity habits.

Here is hoping that The Inquistir slav … editors, cough, do not discover the Muse as a means to increasing writer productivity. Then again, if the Muse ever gets to the point of allowing for hands and voice free typing, then I will probably be the first person in line.