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The Neural Impulse Actuator (nia) was a product developed by OCZ Technology, primarily aimed at creating a new way for users to interact with their computers using their brainwaves. Introduced in the late 2000s, the NIA was a a brain-computer interface (BCI)  device that used electroencephalography (EEG) technology to detect electrical signals from the brain. It allowed users to control a computer or game using their thoughts, offering an innovative alternative to traditional input devices like a keyboard or mouse.

Key Features of the Neural Impulse Actuator (NIA):

1. Brainwave-Controlled Input: The NIA captured brainwaves via EEG sensors that were placed on user's forehead.
2. Interaction with Games and Software: The device allowed for more intuitive interaction with digital environments, such as controlling game characters or moving a cursor on the screenby simply thinking or focusing on certain thoughts.
3. EEG Technology: The NIA's core function was based on EEG, a techniqe that measures the electrical activity of the brain.
4. Plug-and-Play Setup: The device was designed to be relatively easy to use, with a USB connection that allowed it to plug directly into a computer.
5. Customizable Inputs: Users could set up specific brainwave patterns to trigger actions, such as controlling the speed of movement in a game, activating abilities, or other commands that would normally require keyboard or mouse input.
6. Potential Applications: Although it was mainly aimed at gaming, the NIA had the potential for broader applications, including accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, and possible use in other fields requiring hands-free control.

The Neural Impulse Actuator (nia) is a novel approach to interacting with a computer using biosingnals, specifically electrical potentials recorder from the user's forehead. The biopotentials include electro-myogram, electro-encephalogram and electro-oculogram, all of which are electrical signals generated by activity patterns in muscles, brain, and eye, respectively. These potentials are amplified and de-convoluted into different channels.

In general, two types of commands are possible, namely so-called switch-events and joysticks. Switch events are all or nothing responses that are triggered once the signal amplitude exceeds a certain threshold and are comparable to a digital mode of operation. Joysticks are graded responses on a predefined scale, where "zones" of signal strength can be defined. In addition to vertical joysticks that reflect levels of activity, a horizontal joystick based on lateral eye movements can be used. Both switch events and joystick zones can arbitrarily be bound to keyboard keys or mouse buttons as they are defined in any game's "options".

In essence, the NIA represented an ambitious attempt to break new ground in human-computer interaction, but it wasn't successful in becoming a mainstream technology. However, it contributed to the ongoing development of brain-computer interfaces, a field that continues to evolve today.