Atlas launches ear-mounted EEG wearable to measure attention and stress

Atlas, a new startup, has launched a wearable EEG called Atlas 1.0 that adheres to the skin behind the ear and collects brain-wave activity, electrodermal responses, motion and voice-signature cues. Its proprietary algorithm translates these signals into metrics indicating where a person’s cognitive and attentional resources are directed, which users can review through an iOS-only application. The app allows individuals to gauge their presence, stress recovery and performance under pressure, and to log activities throughout the day to identify optimal states.

Although the device records speaking activity, it does not store actual speech content. The company is accepting pre-orders at a price of $500, with a recurring $30 subscription for sensor pads and adhesives. Early adopters are expected to be those seeking marginal gains in focus and wellbeing, though the effectiveness of the technology remains unproven.