Sunday, July 15, 2012

Reading Stephen #Hawking's mind

In chapter 13 "Machines of Loving Grace" of The Universal Machine I describe a device, called the Emotiv EPOC headset, that enables you to control your computer using just your thoughts. The New Scientist now reports that the famous physicist Stephen Hawking is trialling a similar device to control his famous speech synthesizer. Currently, Hawking has been controlling his computer using small muscle movements in his cheek, but as his motor neurone disease progresses he may lose even this slight muscular control. However, he will not lose control of his mind, hence the new approach. The era when we control our computers by thought is approaching.
   On a different subject, here's a question for you? What do Charles Babbage, the grandfather of the computer, and Stephen Hawking have in common? Answer in the comments below and one correct winner will receive a free copy of The Universal Machine.

2 comments:

  1. They were both Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambrigde.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucasian_Professor_of_Mathematics

    Regards, Constanze

    PS:
    I would really like to receive a copy of your book, but I live in Germany..

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations, you are the winner.

      Living in Germany is no problem - my publisher is German! Email me your postal address dr.i.watson (at) gmail.com

      After you receive the book I'd be grateful if you'd review it on amazon.de

      Ian

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