A recent Agence France-Presse article examined the efforts of NeuroSky to develop low cost headsets capable of reading brain waves. The Silicon Valley company plans to pair the technology with toys and games to deliver a unique hands free entertainment experience.

Readings are translated into video game action by computer software, Hyver said.

Onscreen objects can be pushed or pulled by focusing intently on them and aiming with a computer mouse. Players "calm" their minds to lift things in the game.

The San Jose, California-based firm said it has sold development kits to game and toy makers that will have products to market by the end of the year.

"The technology has been around for a hundred years," Hyver said. "The problem was the cost, and we fixed that."

Single-sensor headsets manufactured in Korea for NeuroSky are priced at 50 dollars each if bought in volume.

The technology could also be used in toys such as the mind-activated light saber or used to let MP3 players match music to one's mood, according to Hyver.

Agence France-Presse: Brain Wave Games On Horizon

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