Neuralink Says First Brain Chip Implant Encountered Mechanical Problem
- Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
In a blog post released on May 8th, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology startup, Neuralink, revealed an issue with its brain chip implant and detailed the solution they used to fix it. In March, the first-ever Neuralink chip patient was shown to be able to control a computer mouse with his mind, despite this problem occurring in late February.
The announcement reveals that several threads of the brain implant had retracted from Noland Arbaugh’s brain, the 29-year-old quadriplegic participant. The problem led to a decrease in the amount of data that was retrieved during research and testing.
The retracted threads also resulted in reduced bits-per-second (BPS), which is used to measure the speed and accuracy with which a patient can control a computer cursor. A higher BPS score means better cursor control.
Neuralink did not disclose the cause or how many threads retracted, nor did it mention any safety concerns for Arbaugh. Adjusting an algorithm to be “more sensitive to neural population signals” improved the BPS rates, according to the announcement.
Despite the setback, Neuralink still managed to host a live demonstration of Arbaugh playing online chess on X in March. In another video on X , he was shown using the implant to play the racing video game Mario Kart using a Nintendo Switch.
Individuals within Neuralink expressed optimism about resolving these early-stage issues, according to the Wall Street Journal , which first reported the story. The problem was also reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — which regulates clinical trials and approves commercialization of any medical device or technology.
Neuralink’s N1 device, which is surgically implanted in the brain by the company’s proprietary surgical robot, aims to record and decode neuronal activity. The company’s aim is to grant digital autonomy to individuals coping with spinal cord injuries. But future plans involve extending its “Link’s functionality to the physical world to enable control of robotic arms, wheelchairs, and other technologies.”
In the months to come, the company is hoping to carry out two more implants, with a total of 10 planned for this year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Nintendo Is Ending X Integration on Switch in June
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
Nintendo announced that the integration of X on Nintendo Switch will be removed on June 10. After this date, users will not be able to send friend requests or share screenshots on the social media platform through Nintendo Switch.
According to Mashable , Nintendo’s decision is related to Elon Musk’s changes to the API service by adding a pricing model. The software service for integration was free until February 9 last year when the new tier system began “with Enterprise access starting at $42,000 per month.”
Microsoft and Sony also ended integration with the social network—for Xbox and PlayStation, respectively— after the announcement. Nevertheless, none of the companies have explicitly mentioned this as a reason.
Nintendo shared more details on how the disconnection from X will affect gamers through its Customer Support page and confirmed that it will apply to all models: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch’s OLED Model, and also Nintendo Switch Family.
Users will no longer be able to share the videos and photos on their Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to X, but they will be able to post on Facebook. However, Nintendo warned that this feature might also be unavailable for Facebook in the future.
The option to send friend requests through the Friend Suggestions menu linked to the social media network X will disappear, but users will still be able to get suggestions from Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and smart devices. Nintendo included in the report other specific features and adjustments related to the X API for games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 3, and Splatoon 2 .
X’s Response To Nintendo’s Decision
X has commented on this decision on its platform from its XGaming account, reassuring users of its commitment to the gaming community and suggesting a solution in the meantime. “Users will need to download Switch gameplay media directly to their smartphones and share it natively on our platform,” stated the network in its post.
According to X, this was a product decision and both companies are operating alongside each other. “Our partnership with Nintendo remains strong, and we are working together to ensure a smooth transition for all users,” XGaming added. However, users have not been convinced and added context to the post on X. “This is in direct response to X changing their API,” states the Note element.
The consequences of this decision, especially for X, are yet to be seen. The social network has been making multiple big financial moves recently, like charging new users a small fee to post , which could bring more debate in the near future.
