Thought-triggered phone calls promote safety

It seems even dialling a mobile number is becoming too time-consuming for our fast-paced society, with the onset of thought-triggered mobile phone calls.

Researchers in the United States have developed a mobile phone that uses the power of thought to make a call, so users don’t have to lift a finger.

Users wear a specially designed headband hooked to a Bluetooth device, which wirelessly sends commands to a Nokia N73 mobile phone.

The technology works by responding to cues from the brain, and experts believe anyone who is trained will be able to master the technique.

During trials for the technology, users were shown digits from zero to nine flashing at different speeds on a screen and detected by electrodes.

Those used in the experiments were between 70% and 85% accurate when dialing a 10 digit phone number. Scientists believe thought-powered phones could be 100% accurate with training.

It is hoped the breakthrough will be able to create safer hands-free mobile phones to help the disabled and elderly, but would also be appealing to professionals in high-pressure working environments.

The concept of complete hands-free devices continues to gain momentum, so perhaps there is an opportunity for an Australian start-up to tap into this market further.