I played Duck Hunt with my mind at CES 2020

One of the most interesting hands-on demos we tried out at CES 2020 didn't actually require the use of our hands. Read more about NextMind's innovative product and mind control Duck Hunt.

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There are a lot of pie-in-the-sky products at CES that don't actually do what they claim, but that isn't the case for NextMind's brain computing interface. On the last day, Greg and I were wandering the show floor, we came across their booth and I was stopped in my tracks. Mind control Duck Hunt? I am in.

There was a sizeable line, but the demo was well worth the wait as a NextMind developer set up the device on the back of my head. There is a simple setup procedure to make sure the device is properly situated on the back of your head, and then three different use cases were demonstrated.

NextMind's technology is truly impressive and well thought out.
NextMind's technology is truly impressive and well thought out.

NextMind's product uses a combination of neural networks and non-invasive sensors to track neural signals for a user's focus. It would be easy to confuse this with eye tracking, but it is more about processing how our brain processes mental imagery. By paying attention to a section of the screen, users attention is tracked to combine shapes into visible triangles. Once the triangles are fully formed, the desired action occurs.

This product was first demoed with something as simple as changing the channel on TV, pausing a recording, and changing the volume, but the real holy crap moment was playing Duck Hunt with my freaking mind. No lightgun required as I stared down ducks and capped their punk asses.

NextMind's Duck Hunt demo was one of the most innovative and impressive things that I experienced at CES 2020, and I was left thinking of how many applications there are for this technology. From accessibility to AR/VR, the company is definitely onto something big here. It is super important to note that this device does not require any invasive procedures and NextMind is opening the product up as a $399 development kit first. There is already a lot of demand for the product, but you can sign up on their waitlist if you are interested in helping them develop what will inevitably be a huge new platform for how humans interact with technology going forward.

CEO/EIC/EIEIO

Asif Khan is the CEO, EIC, and majority shareholder of Shacknews. He began his career in video game journalism as a freelancer in 2001 for Tendobox.com. Asif is a CPA and was formerly an investment adviser representative. After much success in his own personal investments, he retired from his day job in financial services and is currently focused on new private investments. His favorite PC game of all time is Duke Nukem 3D, and he is an unapologetic fan of most things Nintendo. Asif first frequented the Shack when it was sCary's Shugashack to find all things Quake. When he is not immersed in investments or gaming he is a purveyor of fine electronic music. Asif also has an irrational love of Cleveland sports.

From The Chatty
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    January 17, 2020 10:30 AM

    Asif Khan posted a new article, I played Duck Hunt with my mind at CES 2020

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      January 17, 2020 10:33 AM

      I've tried a few different neural interfaces over the years. They all worked in a basic sense, but they got confused by things like facial muscle movement.

      Ultimately I didn't find them super useful - I even gave one away as a white elephant gift here a few years ago.

      I'd be surprised if their AI component solves this, but hey, here's hoping.

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      January 17, 2020 10:47 AM

      [deleted]

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      January 17, 2020 10:56 AM

      That's really cool!

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      January 17, 2020 12:18 PM

      Dude that is really awesome, the future is now!!! \m/ :) \m/ just wait till you play Super Mario Maker 3 that way LOL

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        January 17, 2020 12:30 PM

        I would be unstoppable!

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          January 17, 2020 12:53 PM

          LOL :) , yes yes you would! Awesome Man, one day hey one day!

          Also on the topic Super Mario Maker 3 I had this thought... Nintendo should remake RE2 style both Super Mario, SM3 and SMW with all new HD 2D sprites and animation and then set the ground work for Super Mario Maker 3!

          Actually I also thought what if Super Mario Maker 3 will be the first 3D Mario maker and it will launch on the Switch 2/Pro!

          Anyways I have been thinking a lot about Mario and the Switch 2/Pro and I feel like Nintendo is not juiceing and maximizing on the high quality remake train like RE2 and FF7 etc that is going around. We need a new Side Scrolling Mario and Full 3D Mario and I want em all and I want am now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFDcoX7s6rE&t=0m5s :)

          My Mario juices are at 100 right now, I feel like something is brewing and I don't know why or what but I do!!!!! Anyways I hope your day owns :)

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            January 17, 2020 1:06 PM

            The Japanese devs really hate remakes unless it is something truly different. Link’s Awakening is a good example of what they could do. I would love a proper Super Mario 64 Remake.

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              January 17, 2020 1:21 PM

              This is true but look at Capcom and Square Enix they are both doing amazing full on MEGA remakes, I love it if Nintendo did this and tickled the remake train just a little to a bunch of their games!!!!! Yeah Man Link’s Awakening is incredible and an amazing example!!!!! They need to do more of exactly that. OMG can you imagine a Link’s Awakening type Super Mario 64 Remake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!? This has to be real or just go on and make a full on Super Mario 64 2. I know we have Super Mario Odyssey but My opinion is they should of just made that a new IP and have it as a whole new franchise and not tied it to Mario(don't hate Me for saying that :( ).

              Let's hope during E3 and this year we get some insane announcements from them!!!!!! I can taste it.... it's gonna be real!

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          January 17, 2020 1:21 PM

          What about mind controlled ShackTags?

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      January 17, 2020 1:14 PM

      Damn that sounds cool

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