NextMind initially showcased its Development Kit at CES the previous year, and the device is now available for purchase, with the company providing me with a production unit for evaluation. The NextMind device functions as a sensor, capturing electrical activity originating from the visual cortex of the brain and converting it into control signals for a computer. While numerous firms are innovating new input methods utilizing technologies like eye tracking or bioelectrical signals, the NextMind controller represents the first I’ve encountered that functioned seamlessly and impressively, delivering a remarkably unique experience not easily replicated with established computing technologies.

The basics

The NextMind developer kit is specifically designed for programmers, providing all the necessary tools to create applications compatible with NextMind’s technology and application programming interfaces. This includes the NextMind sensor itself, which is adaptable to various head-worn devices such as basic headbands, Oculus VR systems, and even caps, alongside the software and software development kit needed for operation on a personal computer.

The kit I received from NextMind contained the sensor, a textile headband, a Surface PC with the engine already installed, and a USB gamepad to be used with one of the company’s existing software demonstrations.

The sensor is designed to be light in weight and can function for as long as eight hours on a full charge. It recharges using a USB-C connection, and its software supports both macOS and Windows, as well as Oculus, HTC Vive, and Microsoft’s HoloLens platforms.

Design and features

The NextMind sensor is notably compact and lightweight—it comfortably fits within the palm of your hand, featuring two arms that extend slightly beyond its central body. It incorporates a built-in clip mount, allowing for versatile attachment to various objects to securely position it on the head. Regarding proper fit, the key is ensuring consistent contact between the nine pairs of two-pronged electrode sensors and the skin; NextMind provides guidance on achieving this by ensuring a snug fit and gently moving the device up and down to clear any hair interference.

The device is comfortable to wear, although users will perceive the electrodes making contact with their skin, particularly during extended periods of use. The compatibility with a standard baseball cap via the clip mount offers exceptional convenience for installation and wear, and it seamlessly integrated with both the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest headstraps without any issues.

The setup process is straightforward. I received assistance from NextMind’s creators, but the application also provides clear, step-by-step instructions. A calibration phase is included, where the user focuses on an animation displayed on the connected computer, enabling the sensor to recognize the unique signals emitted by the occipital lobe during the intended action, which will then be used to interact with NextMind-compatible software.

It’s important to understand how NextMind interprets brain activity: The sensor essentially learns to identify the brain’s state when engaged in what the company refers to as “active, visual focus.” It accomplishes this by recognizing a consistent signal and applying it to controllable elements within a software’s user interface. Consequently, concentrating on a particular item can be translated into actions like a “press,” a “hold and move,” or other potential outputs.

NextMind’s system is remarkably simple in its design, which likely contributes to its powerful and immersive user experience. Following the calibration, I immediately tested the provided demonstrations and successfully performed a variety of actions using my brain. Initially, I controlled media playback and managed windows on a desktop environment, then progressed to composing music, entering a PIN on a virtual keypad, and playing several games, including one where my mind control enhanced my physical input from a USB gamepad, resulting in a uniquely engaging and complex gameplay experience.

As this is a Developer Kit, the included software represents only a fraction of the potential applications for NextMind, now that developers have the tools to create their own experiences. The existing samples are impressive in their own right, delivering an overall experience that is truly captivating. Envisioning a future where NextMind hardware is even more compact and seamlessly integrated into a broader computing environment alongside conventional input methods is a very exciting prospect.

Bottom line

The NextMind Development Kit lives up to its designation as a tool specifically for developers. It is designed for programmers aiming to create applications that leverage this novel, secure, and user-friendly brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Currently available for purchase at a price of $399, the kit is being shipped to customers. NextMind anticipates broadening the product’s accessibility to general consumers and collaborating with original equipment manufacturers for integration into various devices; however, even in its present form, it offers a remarkable preview of what may represent a significant evolution in how we interact with computers every day.