We're one step closer to telepathic conversations with each other. Or we're close to having a technology that makes it seem that way, at least. A new AI device was recently announced that, if worn by two people, can allow for silent communication.
Alterego, the name of the company and the new AI device, was developed by MIT Media Lab and is a peripheral neural interface that will enable you to converse with AI assistants, other machines and other people who are also wearing the device -- all without using your voice or and physically observable movements.
This isn't the first time we've seen the Alterego. We first caught a glimpse of a prototype in 2018. Since then, the device has become smaller and gained more helpful features.
The device can detect signals your brain sends out before you intend to speak the words out aloud. The wearable can detect the full spectrum of speech by its wearer even if you're mouthing the words out. From there, the Alterego's generative AI will send its response back to the user via a bone-conduction speaker.
While it can't capture thought, the company describes Alterego as "the world's first near-telepathic wearable that enables silent communication at the speed of thought." It's not telepathy, but by interpreting your inner voice, it's a step toward speech without speaking.
Alterego has an embedded camera system that will allow you to point to something you see and ask about it silently. In a demonstration video, CEO Arnav Kapur circles the face of a character on a postcard, asks who it is (without speaking) and receives a response with the character's details.
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You can also use the wearable to set reminders, control your device hands-free and type, all as fast as you can think.
It gets even more interesting when two different people wear the device. You can hold silent conversations with each other, and even have your message translated into another language for the receiver. Since Alterego uses your brain signals and mouth movements to detect what you want to say, communication isn't affected by external sounds or motions.
The device could also prove to be a huge medical win, as it can restore speech to those who have lost it due to illness or other impairments.
Alterego believes this is just the beginning and that it's "building a future where humans and AI collaborate at the speed of thought, bridging the gap between mind and machine."
You can sign up for early access when the wearable is available at alterego.io.