Mindflex

Mindflex is a toy by Mattel by which, according to its description, the operator uses their brain waves to steer a ball through an obstacle course. Brain waves are registered by the enclosed EEG headset, which allows the user to control an air stream by concentrating, thus lifting or lowering a foam ball.[1] The game was released in the fall of 2009,[2] and uses the same microchip as the MindSet from NeuroSky and homebuilt EEG machines.[3]

Controversy

Despite the science behind the technology developed by Mattel, outside scientists have questioned whether the toy actually measures brain waves or just randomly moves the ball, exploiting the well-known illusion of control.[4][5] However, despite the John-Dylan Haynes experiments, supporters of the game stand behind the research that went into the development of Mindflex, and believe that the headset does indeed read EEGs.[3]

See also

References
  1. MindFlex Games, archived from the original on 2009-01-16
  2. Scott Stein (June 26, 2009), "Moving objects with Mattel's brainwave-reading Mindflex", CNET News
  3. Eric Mika (April 7, 2010), "How to Hack Toy EEGs", Frontier Nerds Blog
  4. Hilmar Schmundt (February 22, 2010), "Aberglaube im Kinderzimmer", Der Spiegel (In German)
  5. Hilmar Schmundt (May 11, 2011), "Wenn der Ball nicht macht, was der Kopf will", Der Spiegel (In German)
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