Researchers from the Microsoft Corporation recently filed an application for a patent for a brain-computer interface that can "classify brain states".
They say that the device is needed to obtain accurate feedback about the effectiveness of computer-user interfaces, because the conventional way of getting this information - by interview - is often unreliable.
To me this sounds a bit like the overblown claims that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to determine whether an individual is lying or telling the truth. Except that this seems like an even bigger exaggeration.
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There has been a lot of interesting discussion on the benefits and negatives of a stable API on this thread, with good points being made on both sides.
I'm fascinated by watching the developments in touch and movement based computer interfaces over the past few years. From the Apple iPhone to the Nintendo Wii, it seems that there is a great deal of excitement over these new interfaces.
Is it possible or even desirable to have one search interface that serves every need?
I have about 10 minutes to write this placeholder of a post. Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to revisit this topic near and dear to my heart later.
I've been waiting to have a bioport installed ever since I saw that Cronenberg film eXistenZ. But, wait, Microsoft wouldn't possibly use this technology for evil would they?
I agree with you that FMRI data and what they tell us about brain states are often overblown. People in the field are still trying to understand exactly what is behind the FMRI signal, biologically speaking, and its correlation with neuronal activity.