Apple Vision Pro Can Now Be Controlled With Brain-Computer Interface

[MacRumors]

Apple's Vision Pro headset can now be controlled using only thoughts, thanks to integration with neurotechnology startup Synchron's brain-computer interface (BCI).

The company today announced that Apple Vision Pro has been successfully used by a patient through direct brain control facilitated by Synchron's brain-computer interface technology. Mark, a 64-year-old man suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), demonstrated the integration.

With this technology, Mark controlled the cursor on the Vision Pro to play Solitaire, watch Apple TV, and send text messages without using his hands, which he can no longer move due to his condition. The Vision Pro's reliance on hand gestures would otherwise pose a barrier for users like Mark who have lost upper limb functionality.

Mark has been practicing different skills and functions with his BCI twice a week since his implantation in August 2023. He noted that using the BCI to control the Vision Pro is similar to using it for his iPhone, iPad, and computer. Apple's suite of accessibility features across its platforms has been recognized for its excellence, which is why Synchron initially focused on integrating its BCI with Apple devices.

Synchron's brain-computer interface allows individuals with severe physical limitations to control digital devices with their thoughts. The BCI is implanted in the blood vessel on the surface of the motor cortex via a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. The device detects motor intent from the brain and wirelessly transmits these signals to external devices, enabling hands-free control. Tom Oxley, CEO and Founder of Synchron, said:

BCI is a platform to re-connect people with injury or disease back to the fast-moving consumer technology landscape. Vision Pro is a powerful system, but it relies on the use of hand gestures to exert control over the UI. We are sending control signals directly from the brain to replace the need for hand gestures. We are moving towards a new Bluetooth standard for Human Computer Interactions that do not require touch or speech. This is a critical unmet need for millions of people with paralysis.

Synchron is preparing for larger-scale clinical studies to expand the reach of its BCI technology. It has implanted its BCI in six patients in the United States and four in Australia. The company continues to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to commercialize its technology.

Article Link: Apple Vision Pro Can Now Be Controlled With Brain-Computer Interface

 

[dannyyankou]

This is so dystopian

But good for people who benefit from it!

 

[NapZzz]

Cool for sure.

 

[tkaravou]

That's wild, sounds like something out of sci-fi

 

[gpat]

This is gonna take a while, but it will be the future eventually.

 

[coffeemilktea]

Only a matter of time before someone using a brain computer interface finds a way to play Cyberpunk 2077 on an Apple Vision Pro. There's going to be so many layers to unpack in that scenario. 🤯

 

[myrtledog]

Absolutely amazing!

 

[Seanm87]

Black Mirror has arrived

 

[Mike_Trivisonno]

Magic in service to humanity.

 

[myrtledog]

I have a good friend that has ALS.
I wonder if it’s possible to find out more and potentially get him involved in a trial?

 

[dharushan411]

Only a matter of time before someone using a brain computer interface finds a way to play Cyberpunk 2077 on an Apple Vision Pro. There's going to be so many layers to unpack in that scenario. 🤯

The braindances will be completely insane on Vision Pro!

 

[krull1015]

Absolutely brilliant.. love seeing technology used to assist people improve their quality of life …

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I have a good friend that has ALS.
I wonder if it’s possible to find out more and potentially get him involved in a trial?

Review this link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05035823

 

[AlanMarron]

THIS is why I think most posters on MacRumors have no imagination.

When the AVP was released the MacRumors cult said it was DOA. They complained about everything, including the interface.

I posted that it was not actually designed for normally-abled people, but was seeded for a future brain interface.

Crickets.

Not even an argument.

THIS IS THE FUTURE OF AVP.

 

[Blackstick]

THIS is why I think most posters on MacRumors have no imagination.

When the AVP was released the MacRumors cult said it was DOA. They complained about everything, including the interface.

I posted that it was not actually designed for normally-abled people, but was seeded for a future brain interface.

Crickets.

Not even an argument.

THIS IS THE FUTURE OF AVP.

The future of AVP is being a sub $2000 device that does for AR/VR what the iPod and iPhone did for their respective segments, it's not there yet. Just waiting for its iPhone 4 - iPad 2 - MacBook Air (2010) moment.

This is a fantastic achievement, but absolutely a niche. Now... blood glucose monitoring on the watch some day, is another story.

 

[justperry]

This is such a good *tool for people who needs this, it massively improves quality of life for these people, well done.❣️

* Brain computer interface

 

[AlanMarron]

The future of AVP is being a sub $2000 device that does for AR/VR what the iPod and iPhone did for their respective segments, it's not there yet. Just waiting for its iPhone 4 - iPad 2 - MacBook Air (2010) moment.

This is a fantastic achievement, but absolutely a niche. Now... blood glucose monitoring on the watch some day, is another story.

First a niche, then the norm. Sometime after I shuffle off to eternity, the brain interface will be commonplace.

And the functionality of a watch or ring will be as obsolete as steam locomotives.

[I guess my autism and imagination is why I retired on AAPL I bought for a split-adjusted $0.78.]

 

[Shirasaki]

Now I start to wonder: would his brain overload for extensive use If he eventually perfect the brain control? And what would happen next? Brain transplant to cyborg so one technically “live forever”?

 

[CarAnalogy]

On the one hand I’m happy for the people it is helping and really hope this technology would be available for me or my loved ones if god forbid we ever needed it.

On the other I fear the future once it’s commercialized and generally available. This is the kind of technology that implies other technologies and scenarios that we can’t imagine yet. At least as revolutionary as the cell phone.

 

[Unity451]

This is so dystopian

This is fine. Everything is great. (crowd chants) EVERYTHING IS GREAT.

 

[supersteve]

sign me up

 

[california_kid]

Does this require me to get a USB C port drilled into my skull?

 

[DaniTheFox]

Does this require me to get a USB C port drilled into my skull?

Only in the EU.

 

[currentinterest]

To be precise, it is trained brain activity not “thoughts” that control the cursor and selection. Monkeys can be similarly trained.

 

[twintin]

Does this require me to get a USB C port drilled into my skull?

Naa. You only need a BT chip implant. 😊