Muse has a slim design. Its flexible headband houses the seven sensors that rest against the user’s head. The headband should be securely fitted into the wearer’s head to ensure that all sensors are rightly connected. The sensors, which are located around the forehead and below the earlobes, monitor all electrical fields the user’s brain creates. The data gathered may be used to correlate the wearer’s state of mind.
An accompanying Bluetooth-enabled Calm app for Android and iOS devices works with Muse. Once calibrated, the app guides the user through a three-minute exercise that reduces anxiety and stress and increases concentration and focus. Then, users would be asked to count their breaths from one to ten and repeating the process over and over as desired. Here, it is expected that the brain can begin to wander as the exercise progresses. Distraction can come from fleeting thoughts or just the softest noise.
Here, the Calm app provides real time feedback. Once the app monitors an active mind, it produces a stormy sound. When the mind is gentle and calm, the app produces a soothing sound. According to reviews, longer periods of calmness and focus produce sounds of birds singing. InterAxon CEO Ariel Garten said this is expected of Muse during the first attempts because a platform needs to be established for future improvements. As the brain gets used to the Muse, it can get calm and focused the natural way.
At present, Muse is priced at $299 (£239). The cost may be high for a new device but it is worth the investment when it can keep a wandering mind stay focused and calm. Who knows, this might be the device that can keep you away from being anxious in buying Muse.