The BBC is testing mind-control television, according to Julian Clover at Broadband TV News. Before you get too worried, the goal is not to let the TV control people’s minds (some might say that’s already been accomplished) but rather to let people’s minds control the TV.
Clover reports that BBC Digital created the prototype hardware (a headset-mounted EEG sensor) and software application in conjunction with a company called The Place. He quotes Cyrus Saihan, head of business development at BBC Digital as saying, “Our first trial run saw 10 BBC staff members try out the app, and all were able to launch BBC iPlayer and start viewing a program simply by using their minds. It was much easier for some than it was for others, but they all managed to get it to work.”
Adds Clover, “One of the objectives is to help users with a broad range of disabilities who cannot easily use traditional TV remote controls or other conventional interfaces. In this instance there may be help for people affected by motor-neuron disease or suffering locked-in syndrome.”
Visit Broadband TV News for the complete article and some still images showing what using the app might be like.
