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NextMind

From VR & AR Wiki
NextMind Dev Kit
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality Accessory
Type Brain-Computer Interface
Subtype Neural Interface, BCI Dev Kit
Platform Windows, macOS, VR/AR headsets
Creator NextMind
Developer NextMind
Manufacturer NextMind
Announcement Date CES 2020 (January 2020)
Release Date December 2020
Price $399
Website https://www.next-mind.com/ (defunct - acquired by Snap)
Versions NextMind Dev Kit
Requires Windows 10, macOS, or compatible VR/AR headset
Predecessor None
Successor None (company acquired by Snap Inc. 2022)
System
Operating System Windows 10, macOS
Chipset Custom neural processing
CPU N/A (host-processed)
GPU N/A (host-processed)
Storage
Storage N/A
Memory N/A
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display N/A (input device)
Subpixel Layout N/A
Peak Brightness N/A
Resolution N/A
Pixel Density N/A
Refresh Rate N/A
Persistence N/A
Image
Field of View N/A
Horizontal FoV N/A
Vertical FoV N/A
Average Pixel Density N/A
Peak Pixel Density N/A
Foveated Rendering N/A
Optics
Optics N/A
Ocularity N/A
IPD Range N/A
Adjustable Diopter N/A
Passthrough N/A
Tracking
Tracking Visual cortex neural tracking
Tracking Frequency Real-time
Base Stations N/A
Eye Tracking No (brain-based)
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking No
Positional Tracking No
Update Rate Real-time
Tracking Volume N/A
Play Space Seated/standing
Latency Low latency neural decoding
Audio
Audio N/A
Microphone N/A
3.5mm Audio Jack N/A
Camera N/A
Connectivity
Connectivity USB, Bluetooth
Ports USB (charging/data)
Wired Video N/A
Wireless Video N/A
WiFi N/A
Bluetooth Yes
Power Rechargeable battery
Battery Capacity Internal
Battery Life Hours
Charge Time USB charging
Device
Dimensions Back-of-head form factor
Weight Lightweight
Material Flexible sensor array
Headstrap Clip-on (hat/headband/VR headset)
Haptics N/A
Color White
Sensors 8 dry EEG electrodes
Input Visual cortex neural signals
Compliance Consumer electronics

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The NextMind Dev Kit was a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device developed by Paris-based startup NextMind, announced at CES 2020 and shipping from December 2020 at $399. Representing a breakthrough in consumer-accessible neural interface technology, the NextMind sensor used eight dry EEG electrodes positioned at the back of the head to detect neural activity from the visual cortex, translating the user's active visual focus into real-time digital commands through machine learning algorithms. Unlike traditional EEG systems requiring conductive gel, NextMind used dry electrodes requiring only skin contact, making it practical for everyday use. The device was designed to fit into the back of a hat, headband, or clip onto VR/AR headsets including Oculus, HTC Vive, and HoloLens, enabling mind-controlled interaction in virtual environments. The Dev Kit included the NextMind Sensor, NextMind Engine (real-time ML algorithms), and NextMind SDK with Unity resources, tutorials, and demo applications. Through a calibration process tracking visual engagement, the system learned to recognize when the user's brain was engaged in "active, visual focus" on specific on-screen elements, enabling hands-free selection and control. In March 2022, NextMind was acquired by Snap Inc. (Snapchat's parent company), with the team reportedly working on future AR projects; following the acquisition, the NextMind Dev Kit is no longer available for purchase.

History and Development

NextMind Origins

Company background:

  • Founded Paris, France
  • Neurotechnology startup
  • Consumer BCI focus
  • Visual cortex specialization

CES 2020 Announcement

Product reveal:

  • January 2020 debut
  • $399 price point
  • Developer targeting
  • Industry attention

December 2020 Shipping

Commercial release:

  • Dev Kit availability
  • Developer orders fulfilled
  • Global shipping
  • SDK access

March 2022 Snap Acquisition

Company acquisition:

  • Snap Inc. purchase
  • AR integration plans
  • Team transition
  • Product discontinuation

Design Philosophy

Non-Invasive BCI

Brain interface approach:

  • External sensor
  • No surgery required
  • Wearable device
  • Consumer-safe

Dry Electrodes

Usability innovation:

  • No conductive gel
  • Skin contact only
  • Practical daily use
  • Quick setup

Visual Cortex Focus

Neural targeting:

  • Occipital lobe sensing
  • Visual processing area
  • Consistent signals
  • Reliable detection

VR/AR Integration

Platform compatibility:

  • Headset mounting
  • Hands-free control
  • Immersive integration
  • Enhanced interaction

Technology

EEG-Based Sensing

Neural detection method:

  • Type: Electroencephalogram
  • Non-invasive
  • Voltage fluctuation measurement
  • External skull reading

Eight Electrodes

Sensor array:

  • Electrodes: 8 prong-like sensors
  • Visual cortex coverage
  • Brain wave detection
  • Signal acquisition

Dry Electrode Technology

Contact method:

  • No gel required
  • Direct skin contact
  • Hair penetration design
  • Practical deployment

Visual Cortex Decoding

Neural target:

  • Occipital lobe focus
  • Visual processing signals
  • Attention detection
  • Focus recognition

System Components

NextMind Sensor

Hardware device:

  • 8-electrode array
  • Back-of-head placement
  • Secure positioning
  • Free movement

NextMind Engine

Processing system:

  • Real-time ML algorithms
  • Neural signal transformation
  • Command generation
  • Low latency processing

NextMind SDK

Developer resources:

  • Unity integration
  • Tutorials included
  • Demo apps
  • Code building blocks

How It Works

Calibration Process

Setup:

  • Watch on-screen animation
  • System learns individual signals
  • Visual engagement baseline
  • Personal optimization

Active Visual Focus

Interaction model:

  • Focus on target element
  • Brain engagement detected
  • Neural pattern recognition
  • Command triggered

Mind Control Interaction

Use pattern:

  • Look at selection target
  • Engage visual attention
  • System detects focus
  • Action executed

Platform Compatibility

Operating Systems

Supported platforms:

  • Windows: 10+
  • macOS: Supported
  • Desktop/laptop use
  • Cross-platform

VR/AR Headsets

Compatible devices:

  • Oculus (Quest, Rift)
  • HTC Vive
  • Microsoft HoloLens
  • Other major headsets

Mounting Options

Wearing configurations:

  • Back of hat
  • Headband mount
  • VR headset clip
  • Flexible positioning

Applications

VR Interaction

Virtual reality:

  • Hands-free selection
  • Menu navigation
  • Object manipulation
  • Immersive control

Gaming

Entertainment:

  • Mind-controlled games
  • Alternative input
  • Accessibility gaming
  • Novel interaction

Accessibility

Assistive technology:

  • Motor impairment aid
  • Alternative input method
  • Hands-free computing
  • Inclusive technology

Research

Scientific use:

  • BCI development
  • Neuroscience research
  • HCI studies
  • Academic applications

Developer Kit Contents

Included Items

Package contents:

  • NextMind Sensor
  • Mounting accessories
  • USB cable
  • Documentation

SDK Resources

Software included:

  • Unity plugin
  • Tutorials
  • Demo applications
  • Code examples
  • API documentation

Snap Inc. Acquisition

March 2022

Acquisition details:

  • Snap Inc. purchase
  • Team transition
  • Technology acquisition
  • AR integration plans

Post-Acquisition

Current status:

  • Dev Kit discontinued
  • Team working on AR
  • Technology integrated
  • Future Snap products

Comparison with Neural Interfaces

Feature NextMind Emotiv Insight Muse 2 OpenBCI
Type Visual cortex BCI Multi-channel EEG Meditation EEG Open-source EEG
Electrodes 8 (dry) 5 (semi-dry) 4 (dry) 8-16 (gel/dry)
Target Area Visual cortex Full brain Frontal/temporal Configurable
Primary Use Mind control Research/wellness Meditation Research
VR Compatible Yes Limited No Limited
SDK Unity Multiple Mobile Open-source
Price $399 $299-$499 $249 $200-$500
Status Discontinued Active Active Active

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

  • Non-invasive brain-computer interface
  • Dry electrodes (no gel required)
  • Real-time neural decoding
  • VR/AR headset compatible
  • $399 accessible price point
  • Unity SDK with tutorials
  • Windows + macOS support
  • Visual focus-based control
  • Low latency response
  • Consumer-practical form factor

Limitations

  • Discontinued (Snap acquisition)
  • Visual cortex only (limited commands)
  • Calibration required per user
  • Signal reliability varies
  • Learning curve for users
  • Limited command vocabulary
  • Environmental interference
  • Hair type affects contact
  • Developer kit only (not consumer product)
  • No longer available for purchase

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Type Non-invasive brain-computer interface
Technology EEG (electroencephalogram)
Electrodes 8 dry electrodes
Target Area Visual cortex (occipital lobe)
Platforms Windows 10, macOS
VR/AR Oculus, Vive, HoloLens compatible
SDK Unity (tutorials + demos)
Connection USB, Bluetooth
Price $399
Status Discontinued (acquired by Snap 2022)

See Also

References

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