SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1996--After seven years of research and development, the MindDrive, the first product enabling users to control computers with only their thoughts, will hit retailers' shelves today. This mind-driven product allows consumers to move on-screen images, run computer programs and even play video games. The MindDrive is debuting at hundreds of retailers nationwide, including major computer chains such as CompUSA, Computer City and Software Etc., Electronic Boutique, Egghead, as well as high-profile regional retailers such as The Wiz, Frys and Sun TV. Demonstration Kiosks Consumers across the country will experience using their minds in an all new way and test their new mind skills at MindDrive demonstration stations located at most retail locations. The MindDrive will retail for approximately $149.95 and ten initial applications are priced from $24.95 to $39.95. MindDrive applications include: Entertainment products where success depends on how well one maneuvers their thoughts -- not just how fast they move a joystick; educational programs that focus on invaluable skills like concentration, creativity, memory and peak performance; and a title called Fib that introduces an entirely new home computing entertainment application. Using the MindDrive and the Fib program, users will declare if players' responses are facts or fibs. The MindDrive device consists of a small sensor sleeve that fits onto any finger and a micro controller interface that plugs into PC compatible computers. The sensor reads and instantly transmits one's thought signals to the computer. Then the patented MindDrive CD programs analyze these signal patterns and translate them into a myriad of consumer application commands. Ron Gordon is the creator of the MindDrive and president of The Other 90% Technologies, Inc. "Until now, we have had to process all our thoughts and actions through our hands, words, and the machines we build. The MindDrive is the first step that could lead directly to using our minds to control actions and activities outside of our own bodies," said Gordon. "We have chosen entertainment and education as the first applications for this new technology, but we believe that in the near future hundreds of products and processes will be able to be controlled with our thoughts." MindDrive Application Titles MindFlight(TM) -- With your thoughts, fly through canyons, under bridges, and around buildings; MindSkier(TM) -- Using just your thoughts, ski left and right, in and out of slalom gates; MindMusic(TM) -- Compose music with your thoughts, then use your mind to conduct an orchestra or rock group; MindArt(TM) -- Draw a picture on screen with your mind, then print it; Get Smart(TM) -- Use this unique program to enhance your memory, creativity, and concentration; FIB(TM) -- MindDrive helps you decide whether or not your friends are telling a fib; PinballMind(TM) -- Activate the flippers with your mind and use your thoughts to affect the movement of the ball itself; MindGames(TM) -- Three fun and classic style games -- MindWings, MindBlox and PlanetBall -- now controlled by your thoughts; MindBowling(TM) -- Bowl a strike by guiding the ball down the alley with just your thoughts; The Zone(TM) -- How do athletes or writers get into the "Zone"? Learn to achieve and maintain this elusive state. Miramax Films Earlier this year, The Other 90% Technologies formed a strategic alliance with Miramax Films, the studio behind such feature film hits as "Pulp Fiction," "The Piano" and the 1996 Oscar nominee "The Postman (Il Postino)," to use MindDrive technology to: develop short films where the plot and outcome of the movies are controlled by your thoughts; develop a feature film based on the technology; use the technology in feature films on related subjects; debut the MindDrive technology on the Internet. Easter Seals Alliance Just this month, The National Easter Seals Society, the nation's most prominent nonprofit organization devoted to assisting the physically challenged, announced their intention to put MindDrive kiosks in six selected national locations. According to Roger Wellman, Chief Information Officer for Easter Seals, "this technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for many people with disabilities." Future Alliances and Applications Following on the heels of the Miramax Films and Easter Seals alliances, The Other 90% will be licensing its technology and striking new alliances with leading firms in a variety of fields. Upcoming product applications and alliances will include the toy industry, virtual reality and third-party software development agreements. One of the most exciting projects under development is the creation of a thought-generated vocabulary and personal computer interface. The company is now working with a vocabulary of six words that one can think and the MindDrive will display those words on screen and/or execute those thought commands. About The Other 90% Technologies, Inc. The MindDrive was conceived by Gordon in the mid-1970s, when he was heading Atari Inc. Gordon is widely acknowledged for his ability to transform advanced, expensive technologies into inexpensive, easy-to-use consumer products, such as video games, the pocket language translator and the first hand-held computer. Following several high-tech business successes, Gordon returned to his vision of a thought-controlled interface in 1988 and founded The Other 90% (the company name refers to Einstein's postulation that we only use 10% of our brain power and Gordon's desire to discover what we can accomplish if we begin to use the rest). Based in San Rafael, California, The Other 90% Technologies, Inc., is a privately-held firm dedicated to delivering the ability to use just the mind to accomplish whatever people want or need. For more information about the company and the MindDrive, refer to the company's web site: http://www.other90.com/ CONTACT: Access Communications, San Francisco Anne Magor 415/904-7070, ext. 288 amagor@accesspr.com Jennifer Walker 415/904-7070, ext. 283 jwalker@accesspr.com