To begin with, before exploring applications beyond the 2D and 3D visualizers, we highly recommend starting with the 3D visualizer, as it fully utilizes the VR space. This suggestion stems from the need to ensure that the EEG sensors experience minimal noise for optimal technology performance. If you notice elevated readings, as I did during my initial experience, there are straightforward steps you can take to enhance these readings. They are as follows:

1 – Clean your head and sensors thoroughly, as any dirt or particles can interfere with sensor accuracy.

2 – Ensure that the face gasket and the HMD are positioned correctly and not at any angle.

Using these significantly reduced the noise during our initial reading, which had been displaying a message indicating Noise Detected on Sensors. Once we adjusted everything correctly (which may require some testing), we discovered that the Noise Detected alert only appeared when we spoke while using the product, caused by forehead movement during speech.

Following this, we explored the three applications available for the Looxid Link on the Looxid Labs website, which demonstrate how the technology can be applied in various ways.

We highly recommend starting with VR Mind Care, which guides you through meditation techniques focused on breathing and relaxation. The application utilizes EEG technology to assess your performance at each stage of the five-minute exercise, providing feedback on whether you are Balanced or Unbalanced. Throughout our testing period, we have been using this application daily for a five-minute relaxation session through meditation, and we are noticing improvements in our performance and readings. We suggest this application first because it offers a solid understanding of how the sensors and product function, which is beneficial for the two more interactive applications.

Next, we have two applications that enable you to manipulate objects with your mind, namely Interaction Playground and our favorite, Mind Master: Pyrokinesis.

In the Interaction Playground, you’ll harness your focus and relaxation to manipulate blocks within the application. These blocks are positioned in front of you or scattered around the environment, which you can navigate by teleporting. The more attention you give, the higher these blocks will ascend towards the ceiling, as if gravity has been disabled in the room. Conversely, when you relax, the blocks will descend to the floor. This illustrates how the sensors utilize your brain activity to gauge your level of attention.

Next is Mind Master: Pyrokinesis, a mini-game where you battle a dragon using fireballs in virtual reality. In this game, focusing on the fireball is crucial; the more attention you provide, the larger the fireball becomes, inflicting greater damage on the dragon. You’ll use your controller to grasp the fireball, aim with your headset, and then throw it with a motion. The screen displays a heads-up display (HUD) showing both the dragon’s health and your own, represented by three hearts. If the dragon’s fireball strikes you, you’ll lose a heart, which you can avoid by moving within your play space. At the end of the game, a top ten leaderboard appears, allowing you to challenge friends and family to beat your scores.

These applications have been developed by the team at Looxid Labs. Aside from the initial testing phase to reduce sensor noise, we have not encountered any performance issues with the device. We eagerly anticipate what further innovations the team at Looxid Labs and other developers will bring to this technology.

If you have an interest in Unity and the skills to create applications for the Looxid Link, a Unity SDK is available on GitHub.