Brain Challenge For iPods
Brain Challenge is a new game that's been released for iPods. In the spirit of Nintendo's Brain Age, it has 20 mini-games in 5 categories: Visual, Memory, Logic, Math, and Focus. It will provide feedback via stats and graphs. Apparently there's also a Creative Mode for "exploring your brain's artistic side."
Unfortunately it is not available for the iPhone or iPod Touch. It will work for 5th generation iPods, iPod Classics, and 3rd generation iPod Nanos -- none of which I have, so sadly no hands-on review.
You can get it from the iTunes store for . The reviews are mixed, but most of the negative ones seem to be coming from people who haven't tried it. For example reviewer OMG This is Totally writes: "Y would you spend that much to help ur [sic] brain? I mean we go or went to school isn't that enough?"
Personally, I think that five dollars would be a bargain price for a set of effective brain exercises. However, current research is out on whether games like Brain Challenge or Brain Age actually work. A recent New York Times op-ed ends with:
So instead of spending money on computer games or puzzles to improve your brain’s health, invest in a gym membership. Or just turn off the computer and go for a brisk walk.
Whereas a recent piece in the LA Times provides a undecided view citing both positive and negative experts. It also profiles the up and coming mental fitness industry.
As far as I can tell, the only safe conclusion is that the games are fun -- and probably better than watching TV.
David Pescovitz will be examining Mental Fitness at ETech.
tags: emerging tech, web 2.0
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I have my own brain training. It comes with around 300 pages, which all have fingertip control and can be carried around with me. It also has low energy consumption.
Odd that we need software to help us do things we should normally be doing if we lead an active life and use our brains instead of walking around always connected to an iPod.
great, the two most popular apple products out there right now and the app doesn't work for either one of them.
If you are expecting to suddenly transform into a quantum physicist (i.e. if you aren't one already) then I wouldn't recommend you place all your hopes on this game. But if like me, you want to narrow the margins between good and much better, then this game gives you a tremendous mix of fun, education and awareness. I simply love it.
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Lars Liden [12.07.07 12:21 PM]
I too have skepticism about the effectiveness of Brain Challenge or Brain Age in particular. However, there is a substantial opportunity for programs based on rigorous science to have efficacy. A recent research study using the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program (www.positscience.com) showed some remarkable results. In a controlled, double blind study, they demonstrated that individuals 65 and older were able to demonstrate memory gains of approximately 10 years after 40 hours of computer-based training. There is clearly the need for additional research to differentiate between programs that are merely entertaining and those that are evidence based learning and treatment tools.
More info on the study can be found here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119100331.htm