- French startup NAOX has introduced a prototype for wireless earbuds that incorporate electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to monitor brain health.
- Unveiled at CES, the NAOX Wave uses the same in-ear EEG technology found in the company's clinical-grade device, the NAOX Link NX01.
- While the Link is designed for clinical environments and long-term studies, the Wave targets the consumer market.
- The earbuds are intended to monitor brain biomarkers while users work, relax, or sleep.
Quick Summary
French startup NAOX has unveiled a prototype for wireless earbuds featuring built-in electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. The device, known as the NAOX Wave, was showcased at CES and aims to provide continuous monitoring of brain health. Unlike traditional EEG systems used in sleep clinics, this consumer-focused product integrates brain-scanning capabilities directly into standard earbud form factors.
The technology is designed to monitor brain biomarkers as users go about their daily routines. By wearing the earbuds during various activities—such as working, relaxing, or sleeping—users can gather data on their mental state. This information is then processed and displayed through a companion application, offering insights into cognitive performance and mental well-being. NAOX plans to make these earbuds available to consumers by the end of 2026.
Clinical and Consumer Devices
At CES, NAOX displayed two distinct products utilizing its in-ear EEG technology. The first is the NAOX Link NX01, a medical-grade device intended for clinical environments and research studies. This device is designed to replace the cumbersome, wire-covered caps traditionally used in sleep clinics. The company emphasizes that the Link is built for convenience in long-term studies, allowing subjects to move freely while their brain activity is monitored. However, this device is strictly targeted toward clinical use and is not available for general consumer purchase.
The second product is the NAOX Wave, which incorporates the same in-ear EEG technology into a pair of wireless earbuds. This prototype represents the company's entry into the consumer market. The Wave is designed to function as a standard pair of earbuds, capable of playing music, while simultaneously tracking brain health metrics. This dual functionality allows users to monitor their neurological health without interrupting their daily activities.
Monitoring Mental Activity 🧠
The NAOX Wave is engineered to quietly monitor brain biomarkers throughout the day. According to the company, the earbuds will be capable of tracking mental activity across various states, including:
- Working or engaging in cognitive tasks
- Relaxing or engaging in leisure activities
- Sleeping or resting
Data collected by the earbuds is transmitted to a companion app. This application processes the raw data to provide users with actionable insights. The app is expected to offer detailed analytics on several key areas of brain health.
Users can expect to see metrics regarding their mental health, sleep analytics, and cognitive performance. Furthermore, the system claims to provide details on the user's brain age, offering a quantifiable metric for neurological vitality. This approach aims to democratize access to brain health data, moving it out of the clinic and into the home.
Market Availability and Licensing
NAOX has announced a specific timeline for the release of its consumer technology. The company stated that the NAOX Wave earbuds are scheduled to launch towards the end of 2026. This gives a clear window for consumers interested in wearable EEG technology to anticipate its arrival on the market.
Beyond releasing its own hardware, NAOX is also pursuing a strategy of technology licensing. The company has expressed interest in licensing its proprietary EEG technology to other audio manufacturers. This could lead to the integration of brain-monitoring capabilities into earbuds from more established audio brands. If successful, this strategy could accelerate the adoption of EEG technology in the consumer electronics market, potentially making brain health monitoring a standard feature in future wireless earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NAOX Wave?
The NAOX Wave is a prototype for wireless earbuds that use built-in EEG technology to monitor brain health, mental activity, and sleep patterns.
When will the NAOX Wave be available?
NAOX has stated that the Wave earbuds are scheduled to launch towards the end of 2026.
How does the device track brain health?
The earbuds use in-ear EEG technology to monitor biomarkers, and a companion app provides insights on mental health, sleep analytics, cognitive performance, and brain age.
