It's the Thought That Counts
Mindreading toys are coming your way.
Toys and video games that read and react to brain waves sent via head gear are set to debut by the end-of-year holiday shopping season.
For instance, kids who play the race car video game "Gran Turismo" with the SmartBrain system by CyberLearning can only reach maximum speed when they're concentrating. If attention lags or players become impulsive or anxious, cars slow to a chug.
Kicking it up a notch is Emotiv, whose headset not only monitors basic changes in mood and focus, but also
detects brain waves indicating smiles, blinks, laughter, even conscious thoughts and unconscious emotions. Players could kick or punch their video game opponent -- without a joystick or mouse.
That's all fine and dandy, but since you asked, here's my two cents on the idea of a game tied to the player's mood and level of focus. First, I question how much kids really want games that tax their brains, along with their thumbs. Second, I'm not so sure I'd want my kid to have a video game that encourages 100% concentration on kicking, punching, maiming and killing. Also, what moods enhance performance? Is it the happier you are, the more heads you chop off? Or the angrier? Anyway you slice it, it seems weird.
On the other hand, wouldn't it be great to be able to read your kid's mind -- or your spouse's mind, for that matter? A real-life Vulcan mind meld. I'm all over that one.
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