The Muse S Athena, a brain-sensing headband, pushes the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces. This cutting-edge device uses advanced sensor technology and AI-driven algorithms to track brain activity and blood flow, providing insights into cognitive performance and offering unique brain-training exercises, including a game controlled solely by your mind.
Imagine an owl soaring through a digital landscape, its flight path dictated not by a joystick or touchscreen, but by the intensity of your thoughts. The Muse S Athena makes this a reality. By focusing your mental energy, you lift the owl higher, while relaxing your mind allows it to descend. This innovative game, developed by Muse, aims to build cognitive endurance, enhance concentration and focus, and teach users to effortlessly switch between these states and a relaxed mindset.
The Muse S Athena headband.
This seemingly futuristic technology utilizes an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor to monitor brainwave activity, measuring the transitions between focused and relaxed states. Simultaneously, a Function Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensor tracks oxygen levels in the frontal cortex, providing insights into how the brain is fueled during mental tasks. Sophisticated AI algorithms interpret this data, measuring brain activity strength and cognitive effort.
The Muse S Athena headband offers more than just a mind-controlled game. By tracking brain energy usage and training focus and relaxation transitions, it aims to increase cognitive efficiency, enabling users to maintain concentration for extended periods with less effort. Furthermore, the headband can facilitate rapid relaxation, potentially contributing to improved sleep and overall brain health, even potentially mitigating the risks of age-related cognitive decline.
Jean-Michel Fournier, CEO of Interaxon, the company behind the Muse S Athena, emphasizes the importance of brain health as a foundation for overall well-being. He highlights the headband’s potential to address the growing concern of cognitive decline, marking Muse’s expansion from meditation aids to comprehensive brain health tools. Just as physical fitness requires strength, endurance, and skill development, mental fitness demands targeted training, and the Muse S Athena provides the tools to achieve this.
The sensors inside the Muse S Athena.
Beyond the owl game, the Muse S Athena offers a range of brain-training exercises. These include audio-based tools to maintain focus, alerting users when their mind wanders. The headband also tracks sleep patterns and offers features to aid in falling back asleep after unexpected awakenings. Recently, Muse partnered with Alphabeats to integrate music-based mental strength training.
The Muse S Athena boasts a redesigned, comfortable form factor compared to previous models. Crafted from soft, stretchy fabric, it is suitable for overnight wear and has a more lifestyle-oriented aesthetic. With a battery life of approximately 10 hours, the headband connects to a companion app available for both Android and iOS. While some features are free, full access requires a $13 monthly subscription. The Muse S Athena itself is available for purchase at a price of $475.
