In Short:
Neurable’s headset helps users avoid burnout by suggesting breaks when focus declines. It rewards productivity with points and trophies, boosting motivation like fitness trackers. While the technology shows promise in measuring focus, experts note challenges in accuracy. The device anonymizes and encrypts user data, addressing privacy concerns. Neurable aims to advance into medical applications for monitoring brain health in the future.
Recently, I experienced a feature of Neurable’s headset that prompted a voice notification suggesting a “brain break” after about an hour of use. Rafael Alcaide, a representative from the company, explained that the device monitors focus levels and encourages users to take breaks before burnout occurs. Although I did not feel fatigued at the time, I accepted the app’s recommendation and took a 10-minute break.
On another occasion, I amassed 200 points in a single day, earning a trophy that declared “you’re on fire.” This reward system draws parallels to the Fitbit’s badge system, aiming to motivate individuals toward healthier habits.
The achievement did offer a sense of accomplishment, akin to reaching the daily goal of 10,000 steps on a Fitbit. However, while I am attempting to be more mindful regarding my multitasking tendencies, I cannot definitively state that my work habits have undergone significant changes as a result of using the device. It is possible that further interaction with the headset could yield more insight into my focus patterns over time.
Accuracy and Efficacy of EEG Technology
While the information provided by the device was intriguing, I questioned its accuracy. Like many technology firms, Neurable keeps the specifics of its algorithm a closely guarded secret. To gain an expert perspective, I consulted W. Hong Yeo, a biomedical engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology, who specializes in the development of wearable brainwave-reading devices.
According to Yeo, “It’s possible as long as you can consistently and robustly measure EEG signals.” His ongoing research focuses on utilizing EEG to detect cognitive decline in elderly populations.
The development of wearable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) presents challenges compared to invasive systems, primarily due to lower signal quality. Yeo noted that the electrodes must capture data through the skin and skull; any movement can hinder effective contact, compromising the integrity of the EEG signal.
Regulatory Considerations and Data Privacy
Since Neurable does not make health claims, its headset is not bound by the rigorous testing standards associated with medical devices. Unlike diagnostic tools which require multiple electrodes placed in specific scalp locations, measuring user focus remains a more subjective endeavor, as there is no established gold standard in this area.
Despite aspirations to transition the headset toward medical applications for monitoring brain health and diagnosing neurological conditions, the company is currently focusing on consumer use cases.
Handling sensitive brainwave data raises important questions about user privacy. Molnar, another representative from the company, explained that the headset processes raw EEG data into focus information, ensuring it is anonymized before deletion on the device. This data is encrypted, uploaded to Neurable’s cloud infrastructure, and stored securely in a database. Personal information, including names, email addresses, and passwords, is also encrypted and kept in a separate database to enhance security.
