Search Results: developing feelings

Facebook says that it's working on technology to allow us to control computers directly with our brains (and potentially vice-versa)- developing “silent speech” software 'to allow people to type at a rate of 100 words per minute', along with new technology which will remotely detect and decrypt anyone's brainwaves without invasive surgery. The company said it intends to build both the hardware and software to achieve its goal, and has enlisted a team of more than 60 scientists and academics to work on the project, at 'Building 8'.

Mark Zuckerberg added: "Our brains produce enough data to stream four HD movies every second. The problem is that the best way we have to get information out into the world - speech - can only transmit about the same amount of data as a 1980s modem. We're working on a system that will let you type straight from your brain about five times faster than you can type on your phone today. Eventually, we want to turn it into a wearable technology that can be manufactured at scale. Even a simple yes/no 'brain click' would help make things like augmented reality feel much more natural. Technology is going to have to get a lot more advanced before we can share a pure thought or feeling, but this is a first step."

With these announcements, Facebook is envisioning technology far more advanced than anything currently (known to be) possible. To achieve sophisticated brain control with today's technology requires the implanting of a computer chip into the brain, something Ms Dugan joked "simply won't scale". "We'll need new, non-invasive sensors that can measure brain activity hundreds of times per second," Facebook said in a statement. "From locations precise to millimetres and without signal distortions. Today there is no non-invasive imaging method that can do this."

So, what do you lot think about this declaration of intent, and of Facebook's impending development of mind-control technology?