Activity trackers have evolved over time from simple step counters to sophisticated devices that can monitor various aspects of our health. But now, there’s a new player in town – brain-tracking headphones. Neurable, a Boston-based company, has recently launched its smart headphones called the MW75 Neuro. These headphones use electroencephalography (EEG) and artificial intelligence to track the wearer’s focus levels by reading their brain waves. The goal is to help users improve their work routines by providing insights into their mental wellness.
According to Neurable’s CEO and cofounder Ramses Alcaide, the MW75 Neuro is designed to be an everyday wearable that can track mental wellness and prevent burnout. The device is the result of years of research and development, starting back in 2011 when Alcaide was completing his PhD at the University of Michigan. The technology behind the device is known as a brain-computer interface (BCI), which is a noninvasive way to read and translate a person’s brain signals. Unlike invasive BCIs that require surgical implants, devices like the MW75 Neuro collect brain data through the skin using EEG.
EEG technology has been around since the 1920s and is commonly used to study brain activity and diagnose various conditions. Neurable’s headphones are equipped with 12 EEG sensors in the earpads, allowing them to capture alpha and beta wave activity. These waves are associated with different mental states, such as relaxation and focus. By using AI to decode brainwave data, the headphones can provide real-time feedback on the wearer’s focus levels.
I had the opportunity to test out the MW75 Neuro headphones and see how they work. The device is easy to use – simply pair it with the app, put it on like a regular pair of headphones, and start a focus session. The app prompts you to choose the type of task you’ll be doing, such as work, entertainment, study, or creative activities. Throughout the session, the headphones track your focus levels and award you “focus points” based on your performance.
During my testing, I found that the headphones were able to provide valuable insights into my focus habits. For example, I learned that I tend to be more focused in the mornings and during entertainment sessions compared to work sessions. The app also encouraged me to take breaks when my focus was declining, similar to how fitness trackers remind you to move. While I didn’t make any drastic changes to my work habits, I became more aware of my multitasking tendencies.
One of the concerns with brainwave tracking devices like the MW75 Neuro is the accuracy of the data. While Neurable’s AI model has been validated in experiments, the technology is still evolving. Biomedical engineer W. Hong Yeo explains that measuring brain signals through the skin poses challenges in signal quality, especially during motion. Additionally, the privacy of user data is a key consideration, as wearable devices can generate a wealth of personal health information.
Overall, the MW75 Neuro headphones offer a glimpse into the future of wearable technology and personal wellness tracking. As the market for brainwave trackers grows, consumers will need to weigh the benefits of these devices against potential risks. Whether brain-tracking headphones will become as ubiquitous as fitness trackers remains to be seen, but they certainly offer a new way to enhance focus and productivity in our daily lives.
