Neural Headband Makes Your Brain a Controller

Tired of old and busted input methods like controllers and Wii-wagglin'? Too lazy to make even the slightest movement of one or two fingers to play a game? OCZ's Neural Impulse Actuator might be for you.

The Tech Report's Scott Wasson had some hands-on time with the device and explains how it works in a piece published today. Fitting around the head, the NIA is equipped with three sensors across the front of the band that pick up and interpret electrical signals commonly associated with facial movements and even some patterns of thought.

The NIA's DirectX-based software then maps these signals to particular control functions in games, allowing certain actions to be controlled via subtle facial expressions and even certain patterns of thought.

The report discusses how technical development VP Dr. Michael Schuette (pictured left) had mapped basic controls for Epic Games' Unreal Tournament III (PC, PS3, X360) to facial muscle inputs, but assigned what he calls his "Tourette's impulse" to the jump key—he'd simply think of a dirty word to jump.

OCZ hopes to bring the Neural Impulse Actuator to the market within the next three to four months at a price point range of $300 to $400.