New implant allows users to control iPhone & iPad with brain
A new implant is now in the clinical trial phase, and it grants a user the ability to use their brain to control their iPhone or iPad with their thoughts.
A stentrode | Credit: Synchron
The technology works similarly to other accessibility features, such as alternative switches. However, instead of registering a tap of a foot or a nod of the head, it registers the user's brain waves.
In an article by Semafor, spotted by 9to5Mac, we learn about Rodney Gorham, a retired software salesman in Australia.
Gorham has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a nervous system disease that severely impacts physical function. He's also one of six people using a device called a "Synchron Switch."
Created by Synchron, the Synchron Switch works with an array of sensors inserted, known as the stentrode, into the brain via a blood vessel. The switch itself is controlled wirelessly from the patient's chest.
When Gorham thinks about tapping his foot, his iPad registers it as a finger tap on the screen.
Gorham can control his iPad with his Synchron Switch, allowing him to send single-word text messages.
"We're excited about iOS and Apple products because they're so ubiquitous," said Tom Oxley, Synchron's co-founder, and CEO. "And this would be the first brain switch input into the device."
Synchron is the first company to gain FDA approval, and the technology could be seen as a boon for patients with severe mobility limitations.
Read on AppleInsider
A stentrode | Credit: Synchron
The technology works similarly to other accessibility features, such as alternative switches. However, instead of registering a tap of a foot or a nod of the head, it registers the user's brain waves.
In an article by Semafor, spotted by 9to5Mac, we learn about Rodney Gorham, a retired software salesman in Australia.
Gorham has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a nervous system disease that severely impacts physical function. He's also one of six people using a device called a "Synchron Switch."
Created by Synchron, the Synchron Switch works with an array of sensors inserted, known as the stentrode, into the brain via a blood vessel. The switch itself is controlled wirelessly from the patient's chest.
When Gorham thinks about tapping his foot, his iPad registers it as a finger tap on the screen.
Gorham can control his iPad with his Synchron Switch, allowing him to send single-word text messages.
"We're excited about iOS and Apple products because they're so ubiquitous," said Tom Oxley, Synchron's co-founder, and CEO. "And this would be the first brain switch input into the device."
Synchron is the first company to gain FDA approval, and the technology could be seen as a boon for patients with severe mobility limitations.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
It would be interesting to put this on people in comas. There are a lot of reports of people saying they were aware of their surroundings, they just couldn’t move. It would be interesting if this could let them communicate.
Although phones are pretty good at controlling people already.
"Did you see the episode of "Shark Tank" with the doofus who claimed to have invented an implant like this? It had to be surgically implanted, and every time the battery ran out of recharge, it had to be surgically removed, a new battery installed, and surgically reimplanted. The Sharks laughed him out of the tank. Rightfully so."
I have not seen it but an implant doesn't need a battery if the chip is extremely power efficient and only need a radio transmitter to send power along with data. That's much how cochlear implants work. It provides power and data.
Subsequently I’m AIRWOLF TV series on episodes “MOFFETT’S GHOST” and then “FORTUNE TELLER”.
‘In 20 or 30 years, the way you fly, will be obsolete’.
Certainly will be interesting to see if it’s indeed recognising specific types of waveform library for specific bodily action, or whether the tech will enhance further with assisted AI contributing.