Slim headband gadget trains your brain

While a slew of new fitness and health trackers are making their debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, one of the more unusual devices takes a different approach: it monitors your brainwaves and transmits the readings to your smartphone.

Interaxon-Muse-Photo-AFP

While a slew of new fitness and health trackers are making their debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, one of the more unusual devices takes a different approach: it monitors your brainwaves and transmits the readings to your smartphone.

Designed as 'brain training' software, the Interaxon Muse is geared to help people gain more control over their thoughts and emotions. Worn as a slim, reasonably attractive headband, the device features four electrode EEG sensors and is compatible with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth.

Right now the company says that along with its app you can perform exercises designed to sharpen your brain, manage stress, and improve concentration. However in 10 years, they say the technology can be used to play games and operate toys using your brain power alone, manage brain fatigue while driving, and control electronic devices and temperature in your home. The device will sell for $199 when it launches sometime this year.

While Muse is one of the first wearable brain training devices for the consumer, brain training apps and video games are a plenty. Lumosity, for example, offers an online assessment that tests memory, attention, speed, flexibility, and problem solving, as well as offering personalized games.

Also, a California research lab called Neurotopia is examining the neural impulses emitted when athletes are undertaking intense physical training. The company is developing a product called Brain Sport -- a specialized headset with gaming applications to download on an iPad or iPhone -- set to be released early in 2013.