An application that lets you control Google Glass using nothing more than your mind has been released online.
Think talking to Google Glass is one step to far after donning the geeky headgear? Digital Experience company This Place has made an app that lets you control it using your brainwaves.
There is a bit of bad news, though – you have to wear another bit of headgear to make it work.
This Place’s MindRDR app acts as a link between Google Glass and the NeuroSky EEG biosensor, which looks like a plastic headband that caresses you forehead with a little finger. Like Google Glass, it’s not going to win you any style points.
The NeuroSky EEG monitors brain activity, which can be used as a trigger for Google Glass.
What can you do with it? At present not much. MindRDR lets you take a photo with Glass by concentrating really hard. Do so again and it’ll upload the photo to Facebook.
The MindRDR interface within Google Glass shows a little white line that moves up and down depending on your level on concentration. When it reaches the top, it’ll take a photo.
While it’s easy to deride this technology as being far, far removed from the kind of tech telekinesis science fiction has taught us to expect by now, there’s exciting potential here for those with severe disabilities.
The MindRDR software has been released online in open source form to let other developers take the lead and develop the concept further.
It has good timing too, as Google Glass has only recently been given a wide release. You can now buy the device in the UK from the Google Play Devices store. It costs £1,000, though, so probably isn’t going to be this year’s Christmas smash hit.
Next, read our Oculus Rift vs Project Morpheus comparison
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
