Mattel bemuses gamers with 'brainwave' toy
Neuroheadsets for Barbie and Ken to follow
As Emotiv Systems’ Epoc neuroheadset is currently going through a rocky patch, Barbie maker Mattel has stepped in with what's rumoured to be a similar type of brainwave toy.
Mattel's Mindflex moves a ball according to brainwave activity
Mattel’s keeping mum about the technology behind its Mindflex game, but – according to several online sources – the game requires the user to wear a headset equipped with sensors that measure brainwave activity.
This ‘activity’ is then used to guide a small foam ball through an obstacle course of hoops, which can be customised by the gamer.
It’s still unclear how the ball is kept in the air throughout its journey around the obstacle course. Some reports have claimed that a fan’s used, whilst other sources have said that Epoc-esque technology is the key to Mindflex’s power.
What we do know is that Mindflex will be paraded by Mattel at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, which is about to kick-off in Las Vegas.
Mindflex is expected to fly onto the market later this year for around $80 (£54/€59). It’s suitable for children aged eight and over. Small parts should not be ingested. ®
COMMENTS
Small parts should not be ingested.
So it's okay to ingest the larger bits?
Prophecy from the 80s
... If anyone remembers Back to the Future II, where Marty McFly is in the future (2015) in the "Cafe 80s" showing a young sprog how to work an old 80's cowboy gunman game. The kid replies scornfully, "You mean you have to use your HANDS? That's like a babies' toy!"
Here it comes, folks... still waiting for Mattel to come up with those hoverboards, though...
And WHERE'S MY FLYING CAR?!?
:)
@peyton
Geekiest comment, ever...
Paris, new year, new obsession.
There's no substitute for a good blaster kid..
No doubt in my mind that version one failed because it lacked some sort of discipline feature for failure to reach out with the force and adequately defend yourself with a light saber.
@andrew
Psh - as if! To achieve the levitation, Mattel has obviously modified a Vulcan psionic amplifier. Parents had better hope their kids are full of only good intentions...
(oh man - I can't believe I just wrote that lol. In my defense, I was a TNG fan *as a kid* - I'm not the comic book guy from The Simpsons - I swear! 8)
