CNET News has an article about a new form of interface control. A company based in San Francisco named Emotiv has a product called the “Emotiv Headset” which is supposed to allow users to control objects on screen by using their mind. According to the article the headset has been in development for at least a year.

Basically the headset uses software which analyzes brain waves during a six second test period. After the test period concludes the user is presented with a challenge (making a cube disappear for example). As the user is attempting the challenge, their brain waves are measured and compared to the test data. If the test data matches the challenge data the user passes the challenge.

It’s important to note that the headset and software don’t really detect thought in the way that one thinks about interacting with the environment, but instead really just analyzes brain wave patterns to determine results (whether the challenge is a success or failure).

According to Emotiv they will have headsets shipping for the holiday season at around $299 a unit, frankly I’m not sold on this product yet, while I think the idea is neat and has a lot of potential, it’s going to be a hard sell.

Emotiv will be at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco Friday, February 22.