Put your thinking caps on: introducing the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset

Gamers who are looking for a unique perspective into their video gaming habits will definitely get a kick out of Emotiv Systems’ Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset. This unique gaming accessory allows you to control in-game characters using the neuron signals transmitted by your brain. Other details about this neat gadget can be found in the full article after the jump.

Just when you thought virtual gaming doesn’t get any better than Nintendo’s Wiimote, here comes a new idea from Emotiv Systems that explores the possibilities of brain-controlled gaming: the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset.

The Emotiv EPOC uses a high-fidelity brain computer interface (BCI) which allows the headset to pick up the neuron signals from your brain and transmit them onto your character in the game. This enables you to control your character’s facial expressions, actions and influence gameplay using your actual thoughts and emotions.

Nam Do, CEO of Emotiv Systems, described the new technology by saying:

When integrated into games, virtual worlds and other simulated environments, this technology will have a profound impact on the userÂ’s experience. Since announcing our prototype last year, weÂ’ve made dramatic technological breakthroughs in order to create the first wearable, affordable brain-controlled gaming headset. WeÂ’re excited to see our vision realized this year and look forward to enabling gamers out there to experience brain-controlled gaming for themselves.

Emotiv Systems has already signed up with IBM to help explore the potential of the BCI technology beyond the gaming market. They are looking into building virtual world environments which will be totally immersive and lifelike. Ideas like virtual training simulators for industries such as enterprise and government is just the tip of the iceberg that IBM is looking to explore.

The Emotiv EPOC device is slated to be released through selected retailers in late 2008 for a recommended retail price of US$ 299. So people who want to put a new kind of thinking cap on for their gaming pleasure might want to start saving up for this neat gadget.

Thanks to Sembazuru for the tip!