Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hinted that his company is progressing with the development of its first “consumer neural interfaces”, non-invasive wearable devices capable of interpreting brain signals to control computers. This technological breakthrough promises to open up new possibilities in augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Neural Wearables coming soon
Meta is preparing to bring to market wearable devices capable of reading users’ brain signals to control appliances. Unlike Elon Musk‘s Neuralink brain chip, these devices will be worn on the wrist and interpret neural signals sent to the hands for subtle gestures. This non-invasive approach offers a promising alternative for improving human-machine interaction without the need for surgery. Using techniques such as electromyography (EMG), Meta aims to make this technology accessible to a wide range of consumers, paving the way for innovative applications in augmented reality and computer-assisted communication.
Technological advances and intended uses
Meta devices will use electromyography (EMG) to interpret brain signals associated with hand gestures and translate them into commands to control devices. Zuckerberg also envisions these neural interfaces working with Meta’s Ray-Ban augmented reality glasses, paving the way for new immersive user experiences. These technological advances could revolutionize the way users interact with their electronic devices on a daily basis, offering a more intuitive and personalized experience. What’s more, the integration of artificial intelligence into these devices promises to open up new perspectives for virtual assistance and contextual understanding of user needs.
Reactions and legislative framework
As Meta continues to push back the boundaries of technology, legislators are beginning to take a keen interest in privacy protection in the burgeoning field of neurotechnology. In the U.S., legislation to protect biological and neural data is already being developed, as witnessed by the recent passage of the Protect Privacy of Biological Data Act in Colorado. These developments underline the growing importance of regulating the use and collection of data linked to individuals’ brain activity, in order to guarantee its security and confidentiality. At a time when technology is advancing rapidly, it is essential that the authorities put in place appropriate regulatory frameworks to oversee its development and ethical use.
