David Bridges
Apple is making significant strides towards empowering individuals with physical disabilities to control electronic devices through their thoughts. This revolutionary approach aims to enhance accessibility and independence for those facing mobility challenges.
On Tuesday, the tech giant announced an exciting collaboration with brain-computer interface (BCI) company Synchron, which is developing an innovative implantable device equipped with electrodes designed to interpret brain signals. This cutting-edge technology will allow Apple to convert these signals into actions, such as selecting icons on the screens of iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro, facilitating interaction without requiring any physical movement or voice commands, as highlighted in their press release.
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The Wall Street Journal provided an in-depth report detailing the collaborative efforts between Apple and Synchron in their endeavor to revolutionize technological communication. An early tester, Mark Jackson, a resident of Pittsburgh diagnosed with ALS, has received the Synchron brain implant known as Stentrode. This unique stent-like device is implanted in a vein located on top of the brain’s motor cortex, effectively translating brain waves into actionable commands, allowing users to navigate screens and select icons, as reported by the Journal.
Mashable Light Speed
While utilizing the Apple Vision Pro alongside the Stentrode, Jackson experienced a remarkable virtual simulation, allowing him to feel as though he was peering over a mountain ledge in the Swiss Alps and sensing his legs tremble, despite his limited motor function that prevents him from standing. This immersive experience showcases the potential of BCI technology to provide new avenues for interaction and exploration.
However, Jackson noted that the technology is still in its infancy, emphasizing that he “can’t use it to mimic moving a cursor with a mouse or a touch screen with fingers,” which results in navigation being considerably slower compared to traditional interactions with computers or smartphones. Despite these limitations, the advancements represent a groundbreaking step forward in accessibility for the disabled community, highlighting the importance of continued innovation in this field.
Synchron claims to be the pioneering BCI company to achieve native integration with a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile. In parallel, Elon Musk’s Neuralink is also advancing neurotechnology with similar functionalities. Its N1 chip was implanted in a human for the first time in early 2024, with reports indicating the individual successfully controlled a cursor using their thoughts, further underscoring the rapid progression in this domain.
Apple has also been making notable advancements in accessibility features, such as the Personal Voice tool, designed for individuals who are losing their ability to speak. This feature is set to receive enhancements with the upcoming release of iOS 19. Furthermore, as reported by Mashable’s Chase DiBenedetto, Apple plans to revamp its motion-related accessibility tools this year, which will include improved eye and head tracking for typing and strategies to reduce motion sickness on Mac devices, exemplifying their commitment to inclusivity.
Topics
Apple
Accessibility
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