The clinical trial for a new implant is in progress, which would be a massive development in the technological field. It will allow users to channel their thoughts and control their iPhones and iPads using their brains. The technology is designed to register the brain waves of a user.
The technology could work similarly to other accessibility features, for example – alternative switches. However, instead of registering a nod of the head or tap of a foot, it will register the brain waves of a user.
9to5Mac spotted an article by Semafor, which mentions a retired software salesman in Australia, Rodney Gorham. He has ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a nervous system disease that majorly impacts physical activity. He is one of the six people using a device called Synchron Switch.
The Synchron Switch functions with an array of sensors inserted in the brain via a blood vessel called the stentrode. The switch is controlled from the patient's chest wirelessly. And therefore, when Gorham taps his foot, the iPad reads it as a finger tap on the device screen, allowing him to send single-word text messages using the Synchrone Switch.
Synchron is the first company to achieve FDA approval, and the technology would be quite helpful for patients with severe mobility limitations.
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