Paralyzed Patient Controls Alexa With Thoughts Via Brain Implant - 1

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Paralyzed Patient Controls Alexa With Thoughts Via Brain Implant

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • ALS patient uses Synchron BCI to control Alexa with thoughts.
  • Synchron’s BCI allows him to manage smart home devices hands-free.
  • The implant detects neural signals via the jugular vein, aiding independence.

Mark commented, “To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing,” as reported by Business Wire.

WIRED explains that the Synchron BCI, resembling a mesh stent with electrodes, is inserted into the jugular vein near the motor cortex rather than directly into the brain. Once implanted, it detects and wirelessly transmits neural signals.

In addition to Alexa, WIRED reported that Synchron has connected Mark’s BCI to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and the Apple Vision Pro. With this integration, Mark can use his thoughts to control the Vision Pro, navigating menus and playing games like Solitaire.

In a similar BCI project, Elon Musk’s Neuralink showcased a brain-chip user playing chess using only their mind .

Other BCI projects have shown further promises for ALS patients. One recent study enabled a man with advanced ALS to communicate through brain signals that are converted to text with up to 97% accuracy .

Despite advancements, these BCIs remain experimental. Neuralink encountered a mechanical issue with its brain implant , where several threads retracted, reducing the data collected and limiting user control.

Nonetheless, the technology continues to evolve, with new, smaller BCI models offering more efficient solutions .

Microsoft Launches New Copilot Pages And Expands AI Features - 2

Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash

Microsoft Launches New Copilot Pages And Expands AI Features

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Microsoft announced its second wave of Microsoft 365 Copilot with multiple updates and enhancements
  • The new tool Copilot Pages will be deployed within the next few weeks
  • Copilot will interact with other programs like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook

Microsoft announced multiple updates related to its AI agent Copilot yesterday. The new updates, enhancements, and new products are part of what the company called the second wave of Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The tech giant launched a new digital AI tool called Copilot Pages, described as a “dynamic, persistent canvas designed for multiplayer AI collaboration.” Copilot Pages will be linked to Business Chat (BizChat), where all the organization information is analyzed and stored, and powered by the AI assistant Copilot.

Copilot Pages will allow users to have an open canvas ready to assist and that they can use to create new documents, presentations, or share information with other colleagues and contribute simultaneously. It integrates multiple AI features allowing users to link and interact with different applications.

Microsoft also announced that Copilot, previously integrated into Microsoft Teams, is now linked to other applications like Excel—allowing users to process data and combine it with the programming language Python—, and PowerPoint—including a new Narrative builder to draft presentations within minutes and also include the company’s brand image and style with the Brand manager feature.

Microsoft 365 Copilot in Excel with Python, now in preview, allows you to: ➡️ Perform advanced data analysis ➡️ Create sophisticated visualizations Unlock the power of Python with Copilot. #AI #Excel pic.twitter.com/HvhNBipaqX — Microsoft 365 (@Microsoft365) September 16, 2024

Within the next few weeks, Copilot will also be integrated into Word—allowing customers to process and craft content with prompt suggestions, and Outlook—helping users craft emails and analyze inboxes to highlight and consider the most relevant information to optimize time and actions.

Microsoft 365 users will also be able to build AI agents for their businesses considering content in other platforms like SharePoint and other IT data sources.

“This is just the beginning of Wave 2 of Copilot innovation – in the next two months, we’ll be sharing more about how Copilot is supercharging productivity and accelerating business value for every customer,” wrote Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, AI at Work in the press release.

Microsoft 365’s new AI updates arrive at the same moment Salesforce also announces new AI features in Slack.