It’s like a scene from a science fiction novel. Consider changing the channel. The TV obeys. No remote in hand. No need for voice commands. Just pure intention.
This is not a trick. That’s true. And we just tested it.
CHIP took the NextMind Developer Kit. The goal is simple. See if the brain-computer interface can really change the TV channel. The result? It works. But it’s not magic. It’s messy, expensive, and currently limited.
What is NextMind?
NextMind is a startup founded by former Meta (Facebook) engineers. They focus on brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The company’s flagship product is a lightweight headband. It sits comfortably over your eyes. It looks less like high-end VR visor than medical devices.
This device uses electroencephalography (EEG). Detects the electrical activity of the brain. Specifically, it looks for a signal called the P300 response. This is the brain’s response to certain visual stimuli.
Here is the trick. The headband projects a flashing grid onto your retina. Each grid cell flashes at a different frequency. When you focus on one cell, your brain fires a distinct signal. The device reads this signal. It translates it into a command.
In the television experiment, the setup was slightly different. Instead of a grid, the user watches a series of channels. The television plays them on a loop. Users focus on the channels they need. The NextMind sensor picks up the neural spike. It sends a signal to the connected computer. That computer controls the TV.
How the Test Played Out
We didn’t just wave our hands and hope for the best. We ran a controlled test.
This setup requires three components.
1. NextMind headband.
2. Laptop with developer SDK.
3. Smart TV with IR Blaster or HDMI-CEC connection.
This process is slow. Just saying “I want to switch to channel 5” is not enough. still. The user had to watch the TV cycle through options. Focus on the desired channel. Wait until the system registers the P300 signal. Then, the command was sent.
The latency was noticeable. There was a delay between the thought and the action. It’s not immediate. You had to be patient. The system requires a clear signal. Surrounding sounds and brain activity can be distracting.
“It’s not about speed, it’s about proving the concept.”
The accuracy was decent but not perfect. We missed a channel or two. The system may misinterpret what you see at first glance as a choice. It requires concentration. This is not passive. You have to actively focus.
Why this matters to everyday users
So who is this for? Well, it’s developers and researchers. The kit costs about $249. It is not a consumer product for casual viewing.
But the implications are huge.
Accessibility is the primary mode of use. For people suffering from paralysis or motor neurone disease, this technology can restore independence. Imagine being able to control your wheelchair or smart home interface without moving a muscle.
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