In big accessibility news, Synchron announced that it had successfully connected its brain implant to the Apple Vision Pro headset, meaning that people with limited physical movement can now control the headset using only their thoughts.
Syncron conducted its first tests on a 64-year-old man with ALS, using the Syncron implant to play solitaire, watch Apple TV and send text messages hands-free. Explained in the press releaseDue to the loss of upper limb function, he was unable to complete the hand gestures required to use Vision Pro and was therefore unable to use the headset.
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Syncron’s brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been implanted in at least six patients in the US. The device is inserted through the jugular vein and fed into blood vessels on the surface of the brain, so no surgery is required. The antenna is implanted under the skin on the wearer’s chest.
This alone is a pretty impressive feat, but the implications for the future are even bigger: it will open up entirely new areas of technology for the millions of people who can no longer use their limbs or voices.
“Using augmented reality like this is extremely effective,” said implant recipient Mark, “and I can imagine it would be beneficial for people in my position and for people who have lost the ability to carry out everyday activities.”
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Syncron CEO and founder Tom Oxley noted the technology’s potential to connect people with injuries and illnesses with today’s rapidly changing technology. “This is a critical unmet need for the millions of people living with paralysis,” he said.
If this development becomes more widespread, it could also help drive adoption of VR and AR headsets. While the Vision Pro has been slow to catch on (likely due to its price), offering more accessibility features and potentially life-changing applications could help it win over more customers.
Speaking to CNBCOxley said the company will likely incorporate the technology into other headsets in the future.
