NationStates Jolt Archive


Playing with Your Brain

Sane Outcasts
30-04-2007, 00:27
A new line of toys produced by a Silicon Valley company is set to hit shelves this year (http://apnews.myway.com//article/20070429/D8OQI2100.html):

A convincing twin of Darth Vader stalks the beige cubicles of a Silicon Valley office, complete with ominous black mask, cape and light saber.

But this is no chintzy Halloween costume. It's a prototype, years in the making, of a toy that incorporates brain wave-reading technology.

Behind the 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 the 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.

This company is set to release a line of similar toys based on brainwave activity. Thoughts?
Fassigen
30-04-2007, 00:29
How fatuous.
Ginnoria
30-04-2007, 00:37
How fatuous.

You have a new adjective for everything. How do you do it‽
Compulsive Depression
30-04-2007, 00:41
You have a new adjective for everything. How do you do it‽

http://thesaurus.reference.com/
Fassigen
30-04-2007, 00:42
You have a new adjective for everything. How do you do it‽

I learnt the language. That's all there is to it.
Widfarend
30-04-2007, 00:42
I thought lightsabers had buttons and/or switches to turn them on. Why would they make something that utilizes brainwaves when it can be so easily done with an opposable thumb? If I was using a lightsaber, toy or otherwise, I wouldn't want it to turn off in the middle of use because I saw a quarter on the ground.
Vetalia
30-04-2007, 00:44
I'm just going to save my money and wait for artificial neurons and synapses; I'm literally going to play with my brain. I'll be able to find out for sure if androids dream of electric sheep...
Sane Outcasts
30-04-2007, 00:50
I thought lightsabers had buttons and/or switches to turn them on. Why would they make something that utilizes brainwaves when it can be so easily done with an opposable thumb? If I was using a lightsaber, toy or otherwise, I wouldn't want it to turn off in the middle of use because I saw a quarter on the ground.

It's less about practicality and usefulness and more of a gimmick. A simple on/off switch tied to brainwaves is more impressive when you look like Darth Vader while doing it.
The_pantless_hero
30-04-2007, 00:58
I demand light saber helmet immediately.
Johnny B Goode
30-04-2007, 01:25
A new line of toys produced by a Silicon Valley company is set to hit shelves this year (http://apnews.myway.com//article/20070429/D8OQI2100.html):



This company is set to release a line of similar toys based on brainwave activity. Thoughts?

Kid w/ Vader toy: The force is strong in this one.
Infinite Revolution
30-04-2007, 01:28
i don't see the point really. i can see it being interesting for all of 5 minutes and then when it fails to play music or shoot lazers out of its eyes or dance the cha cha cha it'll be put back in its box never to be used again.
Sane Outcasts
30-04-2007, 01:32
i don't see the point really. i can see it being interesting for all of 5 minutes and then when it fails to play music or shoot lazers out of its eyes or dance the cha cha cha it'll be put back in its box never to be used again.

This is only the preliminary line, simple tricks to test the market and probably gauge public reaction. My guess is that more complicated toys and games are in the works using these brainwave sensing chips.

The article also mentions another use, training a person to concentrate and focus. I'm sure a parent would want another way to help their child focus with resorting to Ritalin, and maybe a set of toys could be made for improving concentration and attention.
Call to power
30-04-2007, 01:35
I for one am disappointed I thought this thread would be about self lobotomy :(

either way it still needs 6 AA batteries which would be better off in my remote/gameboy/other
Vetalia
30-04-2007, 01:39
I for one am disappointed I thought this thread would be about self lobotomy :(

Well, I came close. Of course, I don't want to impair my cognition, but dramatically enhance it.

I could play 4-d chess.
South Lizasauria
30-04-2007, 01:43
A new line of toys produced by a Silicon Valley company is set to hit shelves this year (http://apnews.myway.com//article/20070429/D8OQI2100.html):



This company is set to release a line of similar toys based on brainwave activity. Thoughts?

I have a hunch this technology will evolve into something creepy, wrong and evil. *puts foil hat on* Be scared, be very very scared! :eek: