What is Emotiv Epoc? Emotiv Epoc is “a high resolution, neuro-signal acquisition and processing wireless neuroheadset.” More or less, this gadget could one day be what finally lets us transition to fully immersive gaming. Its sensors allow it to “read” the electric signals of our brains, interpreting thoughts, feelings and expressions.
Imagine what this could mean for gaming! If you combine Emotiv Epoc, along with the development of 3d gaming environments you could have an almost fully immersive gaming world. Emotiv Epoc is still quite a ways off from this type of technology but it leaves much to be dreamed of. Software developed using Emotiv Epoc is out there that boasts being compatible with games such as World of Warcraft and Call of Duty, but from videos I have seen the process is slow and would not be very efficient for the kind of multi-tasking mental processes that intense gaming comes with. Right now you have to concentrate and focus on each singular command. This would be a bad thing for games where you need to be running forward, dodging, shooting and looking for your next target simultaneously.
On the up side of this, Emotiv Epoc could open up a whole new world for the disabled. It could allow control of an electric wheelchair, use of email and other communication platforms that a disabled person may not normally be able to utilize. It could allow some of the disable community the chance to participate in our many online virtual worlds and video games. I am sure you will be glad to know that Emotiv Epoc is also being looked at for market research and advertising purposes. While this idea frightens me, maybe they will be able to better personalize advertising. I don’t know about you, but I am about tired of those ridiculous Enzyte commercials.
Of course, all great things come with a great price, right? The Emotiv Epoc is limited in production and so comes with the hefty price of $299. Shipped free along side the Emotiv Epoc is EmoKey. Stop laughing! EmoKey is used to link the Emotiv technology to your applications “converting detected events into any combination of keystrokes.”EmoKey acts as a background process, running behind your existing applications or games. EmoKey allows a whole new level of interaction with programs such as instant messaging or PC games.
I am totally excited to see how this technology progresses. I can admit that the Emotiv Epoc is a far cry from being the replacement of keyboards, mice, or video game controllers. Its capability is limited to 4 actions controlled by brain and can be supplemented with facial expressions. This wouldn’t even be a drop in the bucket for all the different hot keys and macros I have for different video games. I do, however, believe that technology like Emotiv Epoc will eventually be the norm for gaming and interacting with technology. I close with Emotiv’s own words, “you think, therefore, you can.”
Resistance is futile!
~Gingir
