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Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is making significant progress in the development of consumer neural interfaces. These non-invasive wearable devices are designed to interpret brain signals to control computers, signaling a new era of human-computer interaction.
In an interview on Thursday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed enthusiasm about these technologies.
Consumer Neural Interfaces Explained
Meta’s neural interfaces differ from Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain-chip in that they do not involve invasive procedures or direct connections to the brain. Instead, these devices are expected to be wearable, such as wristbands, and can read neural signals sent through nerves to control various functions. This allows users to operate devices by thinking about specific gestures.
Technology Behind Meta’s Neural Interfaces
The neural interfaces rely on electromyography (EMG) technology to interpret brain signals related to hand gestures. These signals are translated into commands that control devices. For instance, a user could move a cursor on a computer screen or adjust the volume of smart glasses simply by thinking about the desired action.
Integration with Augmented Reality Glasses
Meta aims to integrate its neural interfaces with its Ray-Ban augmented reality (AR) glasses. These glasses already offer AI capabilities, enabling users to interact with their surroundings in novel ways. By incorporating neural interfaces, users could control their AR glasses using brain signals, leading to new possibilities for hands-free navigation and interaction.
Future Prospects
While Meta’s neural interfaces are still in development, Zuckerberg suggested that they could become available to consumers within a few years. The company is utilizing AI to address challenges related to camera-based gesture tracking. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless and intuitive experience for users by bridging the gap between thought and action.
Llama 3: Meta’s Contribution to Large Language Models
In addition to its neural interface work, Meta just released Llama 3, the latest iteration of its open-source large language model (LLM). This model is available to individuals, researchers, creators, and businesses, allowing them to explore, innovate, and responsibly scale their ideas.
