Dell developing gaming headset that senses when you are bored

Dell revealed some details about it's research into peripherals that can read your emotional state. The computer builder believes mood-reading technology has uses in both the office and at home and claims the first products could arrive as soon as 2017. Possible applications include devices that can sense when a user is working hard on a task, the computer system might then reduce distractions and let incoming voice calls go directly to voicemail so as not to disturb the user. The technology could also be used for gamers, for instance, when the system detects you are bored it could increase the level of challenge automatically.

Mood-reading technology still needs significant work though, Jai Menon, the head of Dell Research, said current versions are able to correctly identify a headset wearer's mood about half of the time. The goal is to get the product into the 90 percent or better range. Full details at BBC.

"If I can sense the user is working hard on a task, an intuitive computer system might then reduce distractions, such as allowing incoming phone calls to go directly to voicemail and not letting the user be disturbed," he suggested.

"Similarly, if they've been concentrating [for] a long time, maybe it could suggest a break."

He added that the kit could also be adapted for gamers - a market Dell already targets with its Alienware PCs.

"If someone is playing a game and it senses they are bored, it could ratchet up the level of challenge automatically. If it senses they are frustrated, maybe it's time to offer them a clue about how to proceed."