Hand and eye-tracking have become standards for Extended Reality (XR) environments, but they were not always this way. Hand and eye-tracking started off as new innovations in the field of XR and grew into important aspects in all software. NextMind has created a product to add to this list. It is a small compact Brain Computer Interface (BCI) that allows you to control objects in XR using only your mind. Don’t let the concept of mind-reading scare you away. Nextmind is safe, tested, and available to developers right now.
So how does it work?
Nextmind created their product as a BCI that decodes neural activity and allows you to control objects with your mind. In other terms, it detects your focus and uses that focus to move objects. The technology behind it is non-invasive ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) electrodes on the device that detect your brain activity and perform actions in real-time based on the neural signals received. There are four steps to this process: (1) tag, (2) sense, (3) decode, and (4) activate. First, an object is given a neurotag (faint graphic overlay). Next, the EEG sensors detect signals from the brain. Third, the Nextmind algorithms recognize your focus. Finally, once your focus is detected, the selected object is activated.
The product is designed to be used in combination with existing Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) headsets such as Oculus, HoloLens, and HTC Vive, and is compatible with both Windows and mac0S. The device is small (about 2oz), has clips extending off from it that attach to the back of a headset, and 8-hour battery life. Nextmind is retailing their Dev Kit at 399 € (about $450). This kit includes the Nextmind sensor, engine, and SDK. This kit is designed for developers to create their own software and use the BCI to create unique experiences.
This product is a big step for XR. The ability to use signals from your brain to activate objects in the virtual world could be revolutionary. Other companies have had similar ideas and used electrical impulse signals; however, Nextmind is one of the first readily-available versions for developers. A direct link between you and your virtual environment allows for a more immersive XR experience. It enables hands-free interactions which can be especially beneficial in situations such as work settings where the employee’s hands are occupied. It is also a great option for those with disabilities. The power of the mind is available to everyone even those who cannot use their hands, do not have hands, or even those who cannot speak.
Using this new information, we can think of XR technology in a new way. Using the power of our minds, we can create hands-free interactions and experiences. This idea might one day become embedded into headsets as a default function. It has the potential to become an industry-standard much like hand and eye-tracking. Innovations like Nextmind create more immersive experiences and a deeper connection to the virtual world.
