Techwise

Mind games

What is it?

The ability to read people's minds is a highly desired skill for HR professionals. You'll be able to tell when an interviewee is trying to pull a quick one on you, the real reason for a resignation and why the current quarter's employee satisfaction survey wasn't as positive. One gadget that comes close to helping you do that is the 20q Pocket Mind Reader - although this is better used in a social setting.

How does it work?

Ask your colleague to think of an object. Using artificial intelligence, the device will ask some you some 20 questions in relation to the object on its LED display, and the answers can be provided by using the corresponding buttons on the device. Within 20 questions, hence its name, 20q will attempt to guess what the object is.

Drawbacks

The device's inability to read complicated thoughts and the 20-question trial render it a more suitable gadget for social situations such as office parties. And did you say 20 questions?

Where to get one?

http://www.20q.net/ at US$14.87 (S$24.50)