Augmented reality (AR) firm Snap announced on Wednesday it had bought out human-computer interface (HCI) startup NextMind, potentially leading to the next phase of immersive hardware.
NextMind, a neurotech startup based in Paris, France, was founded in 2017 and has developed its HCI controller which uses brain signals from individuals to control interactive content on PCs.
According to Snap, NextMind’s team would continue to operate from its Paris office despite the buyout.
A Snap spokesperson said in a comment,
“Before joining Snap, NextMind developed non-invasive brain computer interface (BCI) technology in order to enable easier hands-free interaction using electronic devices, including computers and AR/VR wearables and headsets”
The Santa Monica, California-based enterprise has developed several AR solutions such as its Spectacles research and development (R&D) project aimed at building a next-generational AR smart glasses unit.
The company’s Snap Lab hardware division focuses on “building devices that advance Snap’s augmented reality platform,” it said at the time.
Put on the NextMind Sensor and step into the future. Our brain-computer interface lets you control visual objects in real time using #EEG technology and machine learning algorithms.
Ready to experience it for yourself? #BCI pic.twitter.com/UGYhLfet3O— NextMind (@nextmind) November 25, 2021
NextMind’s diverse team of hardware engineers and neuroscientists developed the wearable, which measures and interprets neural signals in the human brain’s cortex region.
Such advancements in technology will provide improved control for AR devices, which may no longer need physical controllers, but may instead rely on hand and eye tracking as well as neural signals.
The spokesperson continued, stating,
“This technology monitors neural activity to understand your intent when interacting with a computing interface, allowing you to push a virtual button simply by focusing on it. This technology does not ‘read’ thoughts or send any signals towards the brain”
The news comes after Snap acquired WaveOptics for $500 million USD, the firm’s largest deal in history, to develop additional hardware solutions for its future AR headsets.
WaveOptics currently has a partnership with Belgian lensmaker Luxexcel to produce bespoke prescription lenses for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) devices.
Snap has also begun expanding its available markets as well as its product lineup, namely after it revealed in January it would extend its products and services to Mexico and Japan by collaborating with telco providers in the respective markets.
