Japanese researchers at Osaka University claim to have developed a way for people to control their iPod or other electrical devices, by a blink, wink or smile.The Guardian reports that the device, called the Mimi Switch, is capable of measuring movements in your temple. It comes in the form of an earbud that fits neatly into your ear. Depending on you facial expressions, the device can cause a variety of actions to occur with your electronic gadgets.
“An iPod can start or stop music when the wearer sticks his tongue, like in the famous Einstein picture,” suggested lead researcher Kazuhiro Taniguchi. “If he opens his eyes wide, the machine skips to the next tune. A wink with the right eye makes it go back.”
Developers have stated that the technology can be put into glasses too, and is possible that other, bigger home appliances and devices – such as washing machines, can also be controlled.
The unit is still at research stage, and there are no plans in the near future to produce a commercial version.