A stentrode brain implant | Credit: Synchron
Synchron, known for its brain-computer interface technology, has set its sights on the Apple Vision Pro after previously testing out similar technology with the iPad and iPhone.
Synchron has successfully implanted a brain-computer interface (BCI) into the brain of Mark, a 64-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With this BCI, Mark is able to control an Apple Vision Pro — something he couldn’t do before due to the loss of function in his arms and hands.
Mark uses the BCI to move a cursor around a screen while he plays solitaire, to pick videos to watch in a theater-like experience, and to send text messages.
“This is pretty cool, I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now. It’s like watching it in the theater, it really comes to life,” Mark said.
The BCI was implanted in a blood vessel on the surface of the motor cortex of the brain via the jugular vein — the surgery is “minimally invasive,” according to Synchron. Once implanted, the BCI can detect motor intent, like when a user thinks about tapping their foot, to control elements of the interface that normally rely on gestures.
