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During Hack Day, Netflix developers have presented the prototype version of the MindFlix.
During Hack Day, Netflix developers have presented the prototype version of the MindFlix. This device should work as a mind control interface that would allow users to navigate Netflix with their minds.
Mind control is the dream of many science fiction fans. The power to move things with your mind is one of the most famous genre elements. However, mind control may be closer to reality than we think. Science has revealed impressive advances in the area. And such an ability could have important medical utilizations.
But also leisure ones. Hence, Netflix. Last week saw the 2017 Netflix Hack Day. On Monday, January 30, the company released an official blog post. It in, it revealed some of the event’s most interesting products. And one of them is MindFlix.
Its developers presented it as a new mind control interface prototype. Through it, users can reportedly take control of the Netflix menu. But with only their minds. They should be able to easily navigate and control the popular streaming site.
MindFlix is constructed as follows. It is based on a headband with Muse EEG-detecting powers. As they are wearing it, the users can move their heads in any direction. Up or down, left or right, the movements should be registered on the Netflix interface.
As they find an interesting title, users should be able to open and play the video stream. The command? Simply thinking “Play”. Presently, this is just the presentation of the MindFlix prototype.
But if its real-life efficiency will be just as high, MindFlix could be a breakthrough. It would certainly make Netflix more enjoyable to watch for all the tired or lazy users.
However, the MindFlix is mostly likely to remain as it is. More exactly, just a prototype. The company made a certain fact very clear from the beginning. At least for the moment, the Hack Day ideas will remain just concepts.
Even in its recent blog post, Netflix stated that these ideas may never become part of the internal structure of its products. Still, they did report their excitement about these creative new devices. And about the thoughtfulness that went into their design.
The MindFlix device is just one of the concepts presented during the event. Reports also present the Stranger Games. These are a collection of retro-styled video games. As the name may point out, they are inspired by Stranger Things. This latter is a popular 80’s television series which is getting a very popular reboot.
Netflix developers also reportedly came up with a special sweater. This latter was also inspired by the aforementioned show. This Christmas sweater should be able to spell out messages.
Another idea would be a new donation splash page. By using it, users would find it more simple to donate to charity. But after watching documentaries on the matter.
Most of the technical innovations presented during the Hack Day are considered more likely wacky rather than necessary. MindFlix could fit both categories. Even if it is not the most needed innovation, it could potentially open the road to even more interesting ones.
For the moment, though, the developers are not even sure if MindFlix will be able to keep up with a real-world use. Or if it will fully work.
Image Source: Flickr
