Difference between revisions of "Foc.us"

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{{BrainStimulation|
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[[File:Example.jpg|thumb]]{{BrainStimulation|
 
name_of_device=Foc.us|
 
name_of_device=Foc.us|
 
image_file_name=Foc.us V2.jpeg|
 
image_file_name=Foc.us V2.jpeg|
 
category=Transcranial direct-current stimulation, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|
 
category=Transcranial direct-current stimulation, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|
developer=Foc.us Int.|
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developer=Transcranial Ltd.|
 
developer_commentary=|
 
developer_commentary=|
 
announced=|
 
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Foc.us is small [[Transcranial direct-current stimulation|tDCS]] (transcranial direct-current stimulation) device. It was developed by small London based company, Foc.us Int.<ref name="stimulator"/> The first version of the device was focused on video game players,<ref name="Game Rant review"/> but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us, Foc.us V2, could deliver also different types of brain stimulation, namely [[Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|cranial electrotherapy stimulation]], transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation.<ref name="stimulator">FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Focus Int. also sell Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit, which should enable its users to lucid dreaming.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit">FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
+
Foc.us is small [[Transcranial direct-current stimulation|tDCS]] (transcranial direct-current stimulation) device. It was developed by small London based company, Transcranial Ltd.<ref name="stimulator"/> The first version of the device was focused on video game players,<ref name="Game Rant review"/> but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us, Foc.us V2, could deliver also different types of brain stimulation, namely [[Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|cranial electrotherapy stimulation]], transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation.<ref name="stimulator">FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Transcranial Ltd. also sell Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit, which should enable its users to lucid dreaming.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit">FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
  
 
The first version of the device consists of a headset, which includes four sponge electrodes and battery<ref name="IEEE">KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016). </ref> and the device was controlled by buttons and app. It was also shipped with small water bottle and charging cable.<ref name="Game Rant review"/> Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator and recharging dock, recharging cable and booklet. It does not include electrodes.<ref name="stimulator"/> Its users can connect the device with electrodes, which are sold by Foc.us company, or electrodes of a third party.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Lucid Dreaming kit includes Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, sleeping mask, cables and hydrogel.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/>  
 
The first version of the device consists of a headset, which includes four sponge electrodes and battery<ref name="IEEE">KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016). </ref> and the device was controlled by buttons and app. It was also shipped with small water bottle and charging cable.<ref name="Game Rant review"/> Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator and recharging dock, recharging cable and booklet. It does not include electrodes.<ref name="stimulator"/> Its users can connect the device with electrodes, which are sold by Foc.us company, or electrodes of a third party.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Lucid Dreaming kit includes Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, sleeping mask, cables and hydrogel.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/>  
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=== Company & People ===
 
=== Company & People ===
Foc.us was developed by Foc.us Int., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist.<ref name="Ars Technica">GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Foc.us was developed by Transcranial Ltd., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist.<ref name="Ars Technica">GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).</ref>
  
 
* Michael Oxley - the co-founder and CEO of Foc.us
 
* Michael Oxley - the co-founder and CEO of Foc.us

Revision as of 16:07, 25 November 2016

Example.jpg
Foc.us
Foc.us V2.jpeg
Category Transcranial direct-current stimulation, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation
Developer Transcranial Ltd.
Announced
Released Developers: 13th November 2014 (V2 edition)[1]
Consumers: June 2013 [2]
Price 299 USD (November 2016), 399 USD Lucid Dreaming Kit
Max output 2 mA2 T
0.002 A
[3]
Session duration 2400 s40 minute
Scalp location
Weight g
Controls

joystick, smartphone, tablet, personal computer [4]

Data available
Risk factor
Medical prescription No
http://foc.us/v2

Foc.us is small tDCS (transcranial direct-current stimulation) device. It was developed by small London based company, Transcranial Ltd.[5] The first version of the device was focused on video game players,[6] but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us, Foc.us V2, could deliver also different types of brain stimulation, namely cranial electrotherapy stimulation, transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation.[5] Transcranial Ltd. also sell Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit, which should enable its users to lucid dreaming.[7]

The first version of the device consists of a headset, which includes four sponge electrodes and battery[8] and the device was controlled by buttons and app. It was also shipped with small water bottle and charging cable.[6] Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator and recharging dock, recharging cable and booklet. It does not include electrodes.[5] Its users can connect the device with electrodes, which are sold by Foc.us company, or electrodes of a third party.[9] Lucid Dreaming kit includes Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, sleeping mask, cables and hydrogel.[7]


Main characteristics

Foc.us is a standalone device, but its functions are enlarged when it is linked with PC, tablet or smartphone. This device does not require medical prescription. However, certain customers should avoid its use due to their specific health conditions as a history of seizures.[10]

The first version of the device was shipped as a headset for video-game players. The headset was from hard plastic and contains four copper sponge electrodes. Due to construction of Foc.us device, the position of electrodes was settled to some extend.[11] However, Foc.us also allowed a different placement of electrodes if the user purchased the accessory kit, since the kit contained two separate electrodes which could be connect to the headset by cables.[12] There were buttons on the back side of the device, which controlled the session.[13] The device was charged by charging cable or the recharging station and the power was stored in 3.7 V lithium polymer type battery.[8] When the device was produced the iOS and Android apps were not finished.[12] Afterwards, the iOS app was introduced, but Android app was dependent on the upgrade of Android system.[10]

Foc.us V1 in the recharging station

In contrast to Foc.us V1, Foc.us V2 does not contained a headset or even electrodes. The Foc.us V2 brain stimulator is shipped just with a doc station for charging the device cables and the instruction booklet.The device could provide various ways of stimulation, namely tDCS, CES, transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation. Since the stimulation is regulated by app, the developers claim that there could be added some other types of stimulation in future.[5] There are apps for Windows, OS X and Ubuntu systems for Foc.us V2.[14] Foc.us provides three types of electrodes for their device, which however has to be purchased separately.


Purpose

Company & People

Foc.us was developed by Transcranial Ltd., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist.[15]

  • Michael Oxley - the co-founder and CEO of Foc.us
  • Martin Skinner - the co-founder of Foc.us[15]

Important Dates

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Ethical & Health Issues

[16]

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

In the video produced by BBC, Dr. Hannah Maslen claims that Foc.us focused on video game players, since it tried to avoid FDA investigation.>

"If you were to make a treatment claim, that the device would alleviate symptoms or treat a recognised disease or illness, the device would automatically fall under the medical devices directive and the legislation associated with that.[17]

Kate Murphy from New York Times reported that the first production of Foc.us device was sold very soon:

Available online since May, the device was sold out of its first production run of 3,000 in less than a month. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Michael Oxley, a mechanical engineer who is the company’s founder and president.[18]

Public Policy

Foc.us was not approved by FDA since it is not a medical device.[6]

It received FCC approval in June 2013.[2]

Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research

References

  1. FOC.US. After a long anticipated wait the new Foc.us V2 Developer edition is now available for pre order!!. Facebook [online]. 2014, Nov 13. Available online at: https://www.facebook.com/focusgamer (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  2. 2.0 2.1 ANTHONY, Sebastian. Foc.us: The first commercial tDCS headset that lets you safely overclock your brain. ExtremeTech [online]. 2013, Jul 30. Available online at: https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/162581-foc-us-the-first-commercial-tdcs-headset-that-lets-you-safely-overclock-your-brain (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  3. FOC.US. Curent Regulation in foc.us v2. Foc.us [online]. 2015, Feb 16. Available online at: http://help.foc.us/article/11-curent-regulation-in-foc-us-v2 (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  4. FOC.US. Do I need an app to control foc.us v2?. Foc.us [online]. 2014, Nov 13. Available online at: http://help.foc.us/article/6-do-i-need-an-app-to-control-foc-us-v2 (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 DYCE, Andrew. Foc.us Headset Review. Game Rant [online]. Available online at: https://gamerant.com/focus-tdcs-headset-reviews/ (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  7. 7.0 7.1 FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  8. 8.0 8.1 KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016).
  9. WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  10. 10.0 10.1 YAMADA, Kannon. Foc.us tDCS Headset Review and Giveaway. MakeUseOf [online]. 2014, Sep 30. Available online at: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-and-giveaway/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  11. WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 2, Electrode Basics. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 21. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/the-foc-us-headset-part-2-electrode-basics/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  12. 12.0 12.1 WILLIAMS, Brent. The New foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 1. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 19. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/the-new-foc-us-tdcs-headset-part-1/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  13. LEE, Nicole. Foc.us headset claims to shock the brain for better gaming, we go forehead-on. Engadget [online]. 2013, May 17. Available online at: https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/17/focus-headset-tdcs/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  14. FOC.US. Downloads. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2/downloads (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  15. 15.0 15.1 GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).
  16. WEXLER, Anna. A pragmatic analysis of the regulation of consumer transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) devices in the United States. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Oct 12. Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/3/669.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).
  17. HOGENBOOM, Melissa. Warning over electrical brain stimulation. BBC [online]. 2014, Aug 24. Available online at: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27343047 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  18. MURPHY, Kate. Jump-Starter Kits for the Mind. New York Times [online]. 2013, Oct 28. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/science/jump-starter-kits-for-the-mind.html (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).