brain wave-reading toys and video games

Engineers at NeuroSky Inc are working on brain wave-reading toys and video games using Technology from NeuroSky. The company claims technology from NeuroSky and other startups could make video games more mentally stimulating and realistic. It could even enable players to control video game characters or avatars in virtual worlds with nothing but their thoughts.

During a recent press tour, NeuroSky showed off a prototype, years in the making, of a toy that incorporates brain wave-reading technology.

Behind a black mask, is a sensor that touches the user's forehead and reads the brain's electrical signals, then sends them to a wireless receiver inside a saber, which lights up when the user is concentrating. The player maintains focus by channeling thoughts on any fixed mental image, or thinking specifically about keeping the light sword on. When the mind wanders, the wand goes dark.