This has been a huge week for InteraXon. At TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco we spilled some teaser details about a new system people can expect to see in 2013 (check out the video below); at Quantified Self in Palo Alto we lead an informal discussion about brain computer interfacing and heard how other industry leaders are using the ‘QS’ philosophy to shape their business vision; back home in Toronto, we’ve begun work on finding a new office space to fit our ever-growing team.
1// InteraXon Responds to Consumer Concerns About Brain Hacking
On Saturday September 15th, InteraXon’s official response to consumer concerns over brain hacking was featured as a TechCrunch exclusive “Securing Our Minds”. In the article, we propose the formation of a regulatory body for the brainwave industry. One that would monitor data, ethics and privacy concerns, and help shape a global framework to guide future work in this space. From the article:
“Having an effective and credible industry-organized group in place will ensure we have a voice in how our industry moves forward. If we do not work to educate, guide, and regulate our work, we become an easy target for hyperbolic hysteria as the hacking study headlines have shown. [...] InteraXon is aiming to create the International Center for Brainwave Ethics for Fall 2012. We’d like to invite other members of the BCI industry and brainwave technology research community to come together, now, at one of the more critical milestones”
We welcome your questions, comments, and reflections on Securing Our Minds and our proposal for the International Center for Brainwave Ethics. In the coming days we will have more to announce on InteraXon’s goals for this ambitious proposal. In the meantime, to get involved, please email ariel@interaxon.ca
2// How Can Distance Learning be Improved With Brain Computer Interfaces?
A paper from the University of South Africa suggests that a non-invasive brain computer interface system can greatly improve real-time teaching tools, especially in open distance learning courses (ODL). Authored by Elisha Oketch Ochola and Friedrich Wernher, the research suggests that a BCI can provide a highly personalized and effective system for knowledge delivery, and also help improve working memory for the student. Because of the high enrollment rates in distance courses, one barrier to a successful ODL education model is the variety of both teaching and learning styles. The researchers suggest that a BCI-based system could work to identify individualized thinking and learning preferences and better tailor ODL course plans
3// Just for Fun
What would the phone of the future look like? In a recent article in The Atlantic, guesses range from humorous, fun, the “I wish that existed right now!”, and even placing bets on brain computer interfaces. The Atlantic wrote:
“But it’s certainly possible that we have a disruptive high-tech scenario. My bet would be on some kind of brain-computer interface. As we wrote earlier this year, we are just now beginning to create devices that allow you to control machines with thought alone”
It’s fun to imagine InteraXon designing some brainwave friendly phones of tomorrow, even if it’s over a few glasses of delicious beverage from our thought-controlled beer tap.
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The InteraXon news roundup is published weekly, every Sunday night, to recap trends and breaking news in the world of brain computer interfaces and thought controlled computing. Do you have a story you’d like to submit or share? Contact us at info@interaxon.ca (subject line “News Story”) or leave a comment here.
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