A wireless headset that can interpret brain waves to control video games and other onscreen action, had been shown off at a hi-tech conference.

Although it can be used for gaming, the firm behind the technology believes that it has uses for interacting with computers and mobile phones, as well as controlling smart homes and even medical devices.

"Up until now the way we communicate with machines has been very limited," said Tan Le of Emotiv at the TED Global (Technology Entertainment and Design) conference in Oxford.

The headset uses non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG), a technique commonly used to diagnose and monitor epilepsy.

However, medical headsets cost thousands of pounds and specialist staff.
Baby wired up for EEG, BBC The Epoc headset is easier to set up than EEG systems used in medicine.

The Epoc headset, by comparison, costs less than $300 (£195) and can be used with a standard laptop.