Oddball Gadget: Mattel Mindflex

No, this is not Jedi mind game workout equipment -- even if it looks like it. Mattel is bringing its Mindflex game to market this fall -- and you control the action through hand, eye, and mind coordination.

The game features an obstacle course that you will use your brainwave activity to control. The game relies on NeuroSky's technology and sensors that reside in the headset apparatus.(See video coverage of NeuroSky technology)

One sensor is in the headset itself, against your forehead; two more clip onto your earlobes. The sensors measure theta-wave activity in your brain; the waves are directly related to your level of focus and concentration. The sensors register the theta-wave activity, translate that activity into a signal, and transmit it as a radio frequency to the Mindflex.

The more theta-wave activity there is, the faster the little fan in the unit will spin. The speed the fan spins at, and therefore moves the ball, is based on how hard you concentrate. The faster the fan spins, the higher the ball goes along the Z axis. Turn a dial and move the ball along the X and Y axis.

Mindflex is due out in Fall 2009, and will sell for $80.