We all wished we controlled our gadgets using just the power of our minds, but in most cases, it really doesn’t work like that. Neurowear’s camera, however, can snap pictures using only our brainwaves.
This is not the first time gadgets whose actions are triggered by brainwaves make the news here, at Walyou, nor is it the first time Japanese company Neurowear is brought into discussion. A couple of years ago, one of my colleagues wrote about a pair of cat ears that move according to the wearer’s emotions. The Neurocam is not that much different in that aspect, since its shutter is triggered when the person wearing it feels a particular thing.
The way this piece of wearable tech works is pretty simple (to understand, at least). A headband is placed on the wearer’s head, with the purpose of scanning brain activity. When an interesting thing or person appears in the visual field, a particular type of electric signals are generated in certain areas of our brains. This electric signal is then interpreted by an iPhone, and if it goes beyond a certain threshold, it determines the iPhone’s camera to record a 5-second GIF. Imagine the incredible amount of cat GIFs this device could help you record!
Neurocam’s major downside is the way the iPhone gets connected to it. The wearer needs to place it near the brainwave scanner which in turn is attached to their heads. When positioned near the scanner, a magnet will fix the iPhone into place. As much as I wish we lived in a world where some don’t steal the things of others (especially when said things are as flashy as the Neurocam), that’s not the case. Placing it on the headband will attract a lot of eyes, and possibly a few thieves.
Another major downside is that the device only works with iPhones. As Neurowear employee Kana explained in an interview with Fast Company, “We’re using the iPhone so that both the analysis and video recording can be done on a single device.This is still a concept model so there is a possibility to turn this into a wearable camera.” I’m pretty sure that an app with similar capabilities could be developed for Android, too. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
If you liked this post, please check these cat ears controlled by brainwaves and this electric-shock gaming headset that helps you stay focused.
