Comments on: Lumos Labs Gets $3 Million Funding for Brain Games http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:54:52 -0800 hourly 1 By: DiggaHB http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2961612 DiggaHB Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:21:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2961612 Bejeweled blitz: Def-Decorated with an all out attack or defeat. Bejeweled blitz: Def-Decorated with an all out attack or defeat.

]]> By: dating advice for men http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2553374 dating advice for men Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:14:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2553374 Ronaldinho is the best, i have no doubt. Ronaldinho is the best, i have no doubt.

]]> By: en http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2499622 en Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:41:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2499622 Not bad. Not bad.

]]> By: en http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2495774 en Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:38:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2495774 Lot of money. Lot of money.

]]> By: dude http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2348488 dude Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:52:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2348488 the bird game is ok, the rest will keep me there for a minute. then what? pretty boring I would say the bird game is ok, the rest will keep me there for a minute. then what?
pretty boring I would say

]]> By: Andy Wong http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2348000 Andy Wong Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:22:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2348000 At the end, I would have a suggestion to this Lumos Labs site: In the bird catching game, my job is to catch the bird and spot a letter. As aging people is not very good at using mouse, the game should provide keyboard shortcut to pick up letter and move to next stage. At the moment, after catching the bird, I have to use mouse to pickup letter, and press the Next button. This is about basic design of UI, unless the game is a mouse training game, or the researchers thoughts using mouse often is good for brain training. At the end, I would have a suggestion to this Lumos Labs site:
In the bird catching game, my job is to catch the bird and spot a letter. As aging people is not very good at using mouse, the game should provide keyboard shortcut to pick up letter and move to next stage.
At the moment, after catching the bird, I have to use mouse to pickup letter, and press the Next button. This is about basic design of UI, unless the game is a mouse training game, or the researchers thoughts using mouse often is good for brain training.

]]> By: Andy Wong http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347995 Andy Wong Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:20:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347995 Pretty fun and relaxing, at least, at least I feel good when playing game. If you can feel good daily by paying $10 a month, why not? Just as many people will pay a few dozens dollars to gym walking on electronic walking machines that emits green house gas, while they have real roads to walk. Why? because they feel good when using a walking machine. The only way to stimulate an aging brain is to stimulate it, and there are variety of way to do so, playing chess, watching horror movies, playing computer games, and playing this online "brain training" game. Pretty fun and relaxing, at least, at least I feel good when playing game. If you can feel good daily by paying $10 a month, why not? Just as many people will pay a few dozens dollars to gym walking on electronic walking machines that emits green house gas, while they have real roads to walk. Why? because they feel good when using a walking machine.

The only way to stimulate an aging brain is to stimulate it, and there are variety of way to do so, playing chess, watching horror movies, playing computer games, and playing this online “brain training” game.

]]> By: TechCrunch Japanese アーカイブ » 「頭の老化を止める」脳ゲームのLumos Labsが$3M調達 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347825 TechCrunch Japanese アーカイブ » 「頭の老化を止める」脳ゲームのLumos Labsが$3M調達 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:10:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347825 [...] [原文へ] [...] [...] [原文へ] [...]

]]> By: Mike http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347602 Mike Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:34:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347602 Michael: I have followed that link. All internal papers, nothing published. This is how vitamin supplements are sold. I am dissapointed you are coopting Science to sell Games. Can you give me ONE direct published reference; controlled trial and results? It is really easy, just give me the reference, and I will read the study. If you have it. Until then, I will keep sharpening my skills in Yahoo! Games...for free. Michael:

I have followed that link. All internal papers, nothing published. This is how vitamin supplements are sold. I am dissapointed you are coopting Science to sell Games.

Can you give me ONE direct published reference; controlled trial and results? It is really easy, just give me the reference, and I will read the study. If you have it.

Until then, I will keep sharpening my skills in Yahoo! Games…for free.

]]> By: Tim http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347452 Tim Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:54:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347452 I actually have used the Lumosity product and really enjoy it. I love the fact that I can track my progress over time. Perhaps I'm just getting better at the games, but it's fun and it makes me think more than if I just play solitare or other free games I've seen out there. As a 10 or 15 minute daily diversion, I feel like I'm not just wasting time and maybe it is good for me...it certainly can't be bad! I actually have used the Lumosity product and really enjoy it. I love the fact that I can track my progress over time. Perhaps I’m just getting better at the games, but it’s fun and it makes me think more than if I just play solitare or other free games I’ve seen out there. As a 10 or 15 minute daily diversion, I feel like I’m not just wasting time and maybe it is good for me…it certainly can’t be bad!

]]> By: Fred http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347374 Fred Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:38:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347374 I have tried Lumosity but I find BrainReady.com to be much more compelling overall. BrainReady has free audio-based exercised episodes and podcasts that you can listen to while at the gym or driving, no need to sit at your computer, and no need to even see well, which is a big deal for older people. They also have a great nutrition and foods blog with dietary advice that likely will have more real impact on one's brain health than just doing visual exercises! No affiliation to BrainReady, I just like it. Their web site is http://www.brainready.com I have tried Lumosity but I find BrainReady.com to be much more compelling overall. BrainReady has free audio-based exercised episodes and podcasts that you can listen to while at the gym or driving, no need to sit at your computer, and no need to even see well, which is a big deal for older people.
They also have a great nutrition and foods blog with dietary advice that likely will have more real impact on one’s brain health than just doing visual exercises!

No affiliation to BrainReady, I just like it. Their web site is http://www.brainready.com

]]> By: Michael http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347258 Michael Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:08:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347258 Mike, follow the link from my first post. Several studies with methods are included there. These are also based closely on previously published research, and you can't get any of this stuff free - except through our free trial. The graph is based on observational data from the games played, and so, yes - part of the result is probably attributable to computer skills. Neither Lumos nor the author of this post present this as definitive; however, it does provide incremental evidence supporting the notion that these abilities begin to fade at an early age. Mike, follow the link from my first post. Several studies with methods are included there. These are also based closely on previously published research, and you can’t get any of this stuff free – except through our free trial.

The graph is based on observational data from the games played, and so, yes – part of the result is probably attributable to computer skills. Neither Lumos nor the author of this post present this as definitive; however, it does provide incremental evidence supporting the notion that these abilities begin to fade at an early age.

]]> By: Luke http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347098 Luke Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:13:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347098 Mogilny, excellent point. I am sure if we had those same people learn how to play Wii Tennis, the results would be similar. Hence, is Wii Tennis the ultimate brain trainer? That graph is useless if not misleading. Mogilny, excellent point. I am sure if we had those same people learn how to play Wii Tennis, the results would be similar.

Hence, is Wii Tennis the ultimate brain trainer?

That graph is useless if not misleading.

]]> By: Mike http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2347052 Mike Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:49:19 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2347052 Michael: Can you give us ONE scientific citation showing the efficacy of your cognitive intervention? I haven't found any in PubMed. Does your website really help users "develop cognitive ability and get smarter"? really? better than playing Tetris or other free brain boosters? Nintendo doesn't hide under pseudo-scientific credentials and claims...a game is a game is a game...until you have the scientific data. Fun, no doubt. Will people pay $9/ month for teasers they could also get for free...good luck. Michael:

Can you give us ONE scientific citation showing the efficacy of your cognitive intervention? I haven’t found any in PubMed.

Does your website really help users “develop cognitive ability and get smarter”? really? better than playing Tetris or other free brain boosters?

Nintendo doesn’t hide under pseudo-scientific credentials and claims…a game is a game is a game…until you have the scientific data.

Fun, no doubt. Will people pay $9/ month for teasers they could also get for free…good luck.

]]> By: Michael http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346778 Michael Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:18:08 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346778 I'm from from Lumos Labs and wanted to clarify a couple things: The brain performance chart shows only the starting points for each age group. It does not show how people change with training (they improve), and it is not a longitudinal study (we're comparing different cohorts at one time point). It shows that the older you are, the worse off you're likely to be when you begin with Lumosity. Jason, we work with researchers and doctors from Stanford and other universities to develop and then clinically validate the training programs. More info: http://www.lumosity.com/info/science/results It's true that there is no conclusive evidence that games prevent Alzheimer's, but as Jamie points out, that's not the point! We primarily want to provide a fun way to develop cognitive ability and get smarter. I’m from from Lumos Labs and wanted to clarify a couple things:

The brain performance chart shows only the starting points for each age group. It does not show how people change with training (they improve), and it is not a longitudinal study (we’re comparing different cohorts at one time point). It shows that the older you are, the worse off you’re likely to be when you begin with Lumosity.

Jason, we work with researchers and doctors from Stanford and other universities to develop and then clinically validate the training programs. More info: http://www.lumo...science/results

It’s true that there is no conclusive evidence that games prevent Alzheimer’s, but as Jamie points out, that’s not the point! We primarily want to provide a fun way to develop cognitive ability and get smarter.

]]> By: Lumosity y los sitios de Brain Training Loogic.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346739 Lumosity y los sitios de Brain Training Loogic.com Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:02:04 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346739 [...] Visto en Techcrunch. [...] [...] Visto en Techcrunch. [...]

]]> By: Larrian http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346677 Larrian Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:25:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346677 As a physician and researcher as well as a boomer....there is no evidence that playing these games staves off memory loss..Alzheimers etc...so again, fear as a motivator and venture groups who are clueless about what boomers need. Memory is tied to smell...and since that is based on acetylcholine production...unless they can come up with a smell based online program...results will remain speculative at best. As a physician and researcher as well as a boomer….there is no evidence that playing these games staves off memory loss..Alzheimers etc…so again, fear as a motivator and venture groups who are clueless about what boomers need. Memory is tied to smell…and since that is based on acetylcholine production…unless they can come up with a smell based online program…results will remain speculative at best.

]]> By: Mogilny http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346672 Mogilny Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:24:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346672 sry for the double... eh triple post sry for the double… eh triple post

]]> By: Mogilny http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346670 Mogilny Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:24:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346670 That chart is a hoax. Unless they measured the "decline" of cognitive power over the span over the 70 years for all subjects, that chart means nothing. Maybe the older crowd just sucks at playing games, or maybe i'm in denial. That chart is a hoax. Unless they measured the “decline” of cognitive power over the span over the 70 years for all subjects, that chart means nothing. Maybe the older crowd just sucks at playing games, or maybe i’m in denial.

]]> By: Mogilny http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346667 Mogilny Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:23:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346667 That chart is a hoax. Unless they measured the "decline" of cognitive power over the span over the 70 years, that chart means nothing. Maybe the older crowd just sucks at playing games, or maybe i'm in denial. That chart is a hoax. Unless they measured the “decline” of cognitive power over the span over the 70 years, that chart means nothing. Maybe the older crowd just sucks at playing games, or maybe i’m in denial.

]]> By: cease http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346664 cease Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:22:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346664 this is very fun.. just like brain age for the DS.. great idea. this is very fun.. just like brain age for the DS.. great idea.

]]> By: César Noragueda http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346648 César Noragueda Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:18:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346648 Let's ask the candidates for the Presidency to prove his capacities with these games, to seeing what happens :-p. César Noragueda Let’s ask the candidates for the Presidency to prove his capacities with these games, to seeing what happens :-p.

César Noragueda

]]> By: fdqsd http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346597 fdqsd Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:56:03 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346597 qsdsqdqds qsdsqdqds

]]> By: jamie http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346574 jamie Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:39:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346574 the problem here is people think this is for old people, which it's not. this supercharges healthy brains as well. It's not akin - it mirrors the efforts one would make w/ their physical body. the whole "just play chess" thing is fine - yeah, play chess, do whatever - but these refined games online are much like machines in the gym that excercise - more specifically - particular areas of your brain, such as working memory etc. its actually very, very useful. Lumosity should be reading this and they need some help with their online pr / 'buzz'. drop a note here and I can help you w/ that. the problem here is people think this is for old people, which it’s not. this supercharges healthy brains as well. It’s not akin – it mirrors the efforts one would make w/ their physical body.

the whole “just play chess” thing is fine – yeah, play chess, do whatever – but these refined games online are much like machines in the gym that excercise – more specifically – particular areas of your brain, such as working memory etc.

its actually very, very useful. Lumosity should be reading this and they need some help with their online pr / ‘buzz’. drop a note here and I can help you w/ that.

]]> By: ty http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/comment-page-1/#comment-2346560 ty Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:30:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/03/lumos-labs-gets-3-million-funding-for-brain-games/#comment-2346560 its called Nintendo DS. its called Nintendo DS.

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