More and more companies are moving forward in the development of options focused on accessibility!
Choice accessibility available on products with the bitten apple logo they are not limited to Apple’s development teams. Given the popularity and functionality of devices like the iPhone and iPad, other companies are taking the opportunity to test their dedicated technologies to offer similar options.
Thus, and according to a report published by 9to5mac, the American company Synchron has advanced in the development of a computer brain implant technology that allows patients to control an iPhone or iPad using their brain.
everything for everyone
Currently six patients use the “Synchron Switch” device, which is surgically implanted in their brains. Synchron is the first company to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to “conduct clinical trials of a computerized brain implant”.
Regarding this development, Tom Oxley, co-founder and CEO of Synchron, explained that this type of implant is possible thanks to “Stentrode” sensors. These are inserted into the upper part of the brain through a blood vessel in a minimally invasive procedure.
Unlike other procedures, this type of implant requires common specialized skills and is precisely this level of simplicity has been key to the company’s business strategy.
Tests on real patients
One of first users to try Synchron Switch with an Apple device, has been identified as Rodney Gotham, retired software salesman in Melbourne, Australiato whom the device was surgically implanted in his brain at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Gorham suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The Synchron Switch works by turning Gorham’s thoughts into action on the iPad screen. When he “thinks about tapping his foot, his iPad registers it as a finger tapping on the screen.”
Regarding the selection of Apple products, Oxley shared that iOS and Apple products because they are so ubiquitous: “And it would be the first brain switch input on the device.”
Finally, the report states that Synchron research is still in its infancy, but this is a big step up from similar studies. During, Apple devotes its research efforts to a similar technology, fund a team at Carnegie Mellon University.