Emotiv Lifesciences, one of the leading companies trying to introduce electroencephalography (EEG) for consumer use, has unveiled its next generation headset and is now raising money on Kickstarter to fund its commercialization. The EMOTIV INSIGHT is a slicker, lighter device compared to the company’s previous products and features a 5 channel EEG plus two reference sensors, wireless connectivity, and new electrodes that don’t require a gel or any other wetting. Here’s Emotiv Lifescience’s video introducing the INSIGHT:
Shiv Gaglani, Medgadget: What inspired the development of the Emotiv Insight?
Tan Le, Founder and CEO of Emotiv Lifesciences: The inspiration to develop the Emotiv Insight came from our desire to empower ourselves and others to understand their own brain and gain insights into how to improve their own cognitive fitness and performance. We also wanted to create innovative technologies that are affordable and easy to use in order to accelerate brain research globally.
Medgadget: How does the device compare to your existing offerings? To other consumer-focused headbands such as Zeo and Melon?
Tan Le: EMOTIV INSIGHT is the only device on the market to offer 5 EEG sensors and 2 reference sensors, which provides useful coverage of key sites around the cerebral cortex: frontal cortex (executive functions), parieto-temporal (auditory, spatial/co-ordination), and occipital (visual). This spatial resolution is crucial to getting high resolution EEG data that will allow you to receive more in depth information on your brain activity. Also, Research Edition Users will have access to the raw EEG data.
Medgadget: How do you see EEG data being leveraged to improve the life of a general consumer?
Tan Le: As we all live longer, we want to improve our quality of life. People understand the importance of their physical health. We’re putting a spot light on the importance of your cognitive health and helping you to gain insight into how your brain develops and changes. EMOTIV INSIGHT measures your brainwaves and translates it into meaningful data to help you make the most of your cognitive performance. The neuroheadset can measure, track and help you improve your Attention, Focus, Engagement, Interest, Excitement, Affinity, Relaxation and reduce Stress levels.
Link: EMOTIV INSIGHT on Kickstarter…
Flashbacks: Emotiv EEG Headset Shown at TEDGlobal 2010; Welcome Again to The 21st Century: Electroencephalography for At Home Entertainment; Telekinetic Video Games
(hat tip: Neurogadget)