Google Glass is a controversial device. Its use pushes the social norms to the limits and so far the early adopters have been mocked by many. Google is trying to establish new terrains for the device. Just a few days ago, Google awarded nonprofits with money and Google Glasses to be used for socially oriented causes.
A Google Glass brain control app was released by design studio This Place. The app allows the users to completely perform one simple task without any physical effort. Google Glass functionality is based on a clear ability, to perform tasks by voice command. This Place managed to go even further. By using the Neurosky EEG biosensor, the company managed to take a photo and post it on Facebook and Twitter. The electroencephalography (EEG) headset must be attached to the head and reads how the person concentrates. It then transforms the brainwaves into commands. London-based company This Place argues that the functionality will be extremely useful in high-pressure hands-free environments like a surgery room.
Google Glass brain control app lets users take pictures by concentrating
To perform the task, the user must concentrate, after which the device captures the brainwaves. The operation is visible on the screen as a white horizontal line which goes up. Glass captures a photo when the white line reaches the top. The pack containing Google Glass and the biosensor are sold for $1838.
This Place placed MindRDR app online for free so other developers will take the work further. The applications are countless. As any other technological application, it can be used for a variety of purposes. Google stated it did not review, nor approve the app, so it will not be available on Google Play Store. Google is concerned that the new device will freak people by thinking Google can read their minds. A fair concern, we would say.
The possibilities are truly endless. People with speech impediments could have a support for greater social functionality. Spies will gather information easier than ever. With Google Glass brain control app, various tasks will be available for people with a wide range of mobility impediments too.
“Google Glass is one of the world’s most recognizable and popular pieces of wearable technology, but after getting our hands on it, we saw huge potential to incorporate EEG technology so it benefits the wider society,” Dusan Hamlin, CEO of This Place stated.
Such a powerful application of the device will probably rise concerns from federal regulators too, because the opportunities might produce harm, as well as good.