Audeo Neckband Translates Your Thoughts Into Speech
Who wants to waste energy speaking words when just thinking about speaking will do? Audeo -- a neckband that detects nerve impulses sent to the larynx -- will help you do just that. The techo-accessory has previously been demonstrated controlling a motorized wheel chair, but now the scientists behind the device have added "voiceless" speech to its repetoire of tricks.
Ambient Corporation demonstrated a phone conversation where one side of the discussion was not spoken but thought, then converted words and vocalized by a computer. The Audeo could prove to be a boon not only for those who have lost the ability to speak, but those who simply don't want to discuss sensitive or private matters out-loud in public, since presumably one could just think of something and evenutally send it in an e-mail or text message.
The current model only understands 150 English-language different words, and suffers from a noticeable delay between thought and vocalizations.
Don't worry about your secret thoughts getting accidentally transcribed, however, since the device requires a "level above thinking" according to Ambient co-founder Michael Callahan, to actually translate into speech. In other words, you'd have to specifically think about speaking specific sentences for them to get vocalized or transcribed.
Ambient is working on a next gen model already that will have a vocalization engine based on phonemes that will give the device an unlimited vocabulary, but will come at the cost of even slower performance. Check out the video for a demonstration.
From NewScientist (via Engadget)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Margaret @ Mar 16th 2008 2:42PM
A must mandatory have for ALL politicians.
Then we will know what they are TRULY thinking and not just spouting rhetoric at us.
AR @ Mar 16th 2008 2:42PM
Please just stop all this, we are human beings not computers, we are flawed, we do lose our sight, our hearing and our speech, we do lose the use of limbs....because we are human we are vulnerable and sometimes our vulnerability leaves us with disabilities. As for me I would rather live and adjust to the disabilities, than to become less human, and yes, this is what you people are working towards; that we be more computer than human. Just Stop before it is too late for all of humanity.
Mea @ Mar 16th 2008 3:19PM
Just think what this could mean for deaf people who are unable to speak, but know the language, or people who can't speak! It's not like you have to wear one of you don't want to. It is amazing!
doc @ Mar 16th 2008 3:27PM
Margaret says:
A must mandatory have for ALL politicians.
Then we will know what they are TRULY thinking and not just spouting rhetoric at us.
margaret, go back and reread the article please.
pattycakes @ Mar 16th 2008 3:37PM
Don't knock this product, everyone takes their voice for granted. Try living without the ablitiy to speak its not as easy as you think. I think its great they are finally trying to help people this way.
Rich @ Mar 16th 2008 3:47PM
Geez, I can't believe the tripe that passes for thinking in these comment spaces. Apparently the majority of you didn't read what it says in the article - IT DOESN'T READ YOUR THOUGHTS AS YOU THINK THEM! It only translates thoughts specifically aimed at spoken sentences, which wouldn't do a bit of good regarding politicians, OR come anywhere close to being the ultimate "thought police" device. It woould DEFINITELY be a boon to vocally handicapped folks, though. It's a tool - everything depends on what you use it for. You can kill somebody with a shovel - do you want to ban those too? Sheesh!
jim hardie @ Mar 16th 2008 4:23PM
yes but when you outlaw shovels only outlaws will have shovels
slanny @ Mar 16th 2008 4:58PM
Margaret, I love your sense of humor!
Carolyn @ Mar 16th 2008 5:24PM
Finally!! My dog will be able to tell me what she wants!
Andi @ Mar 16th 2008 5:25PM
I wish they had had this last year. I had a friend of mine lose speech due to ALS this past summer, and it was really hard to know what she wanted and eventually it became impossible for her to even write down what she needed...it was actually a relief when she passed away. This would have been a godsend.
Lala @ Mar 16th 2008 5:27PM
Let he that hath an ear, hear what the prophets are saying. This is a sure sign of the end times. This is one of the devices that the anti-christ will use to control and manipulate world. Everyone, please read your bible, specifically in the book of Matthew when Jesus talked about the signs that we will see before he returns on earth. Search online about the end times to read more on the subject. It's loud and clear people. It just might save your soul. Read and receive the Lord as your saviour. Repent and walk in righteousness before its too late.
Mumbo Jumbo @ Mar 16th 2008 6:06PM
And for my NEXT trick... I'll saw a woman in HALF!
james @ Mar 16th 2008 6:20PM
lets see i would like to ---- you and have you --- me off all day long . I be either trouble or in bliss if some woman read my throughts
Karl @ Mar 16th 2008 6:30PM
Scary, unbeleivable technology, soon our thoughts will be able to be read..
Dora @ Mar 16th 2008 6:32PM
Those with a perverted mind are beginning to panick.
Patricia @ Mar 16th 2008 6:39PM
This device would enable me to conserve energy since I have trouble converting my thoughts into words.
Michelle Coffey-Roberts @ Mar 16th 2008 6:39PM
I have a son who broke his neck when he was 17 and is now a quadrapalegic. I am very grateful for these "tools" and "gadgets" that just 10, 20 years ago were being touted as "a sign of the end of times". Get real. I believe in God and I believe in miracles. Why do people make these things out to be evil. God created man with an intelligence. If he didn't want us to learn, grow and adapt then he wouldn't have issued us a brain. These "tool's" allow an indvidual just a little more control and power over their lives and day to day living. I suggest you actually see how peoples lives are affected and how much it means to them before you condem it.
Charlene L @ Mar 16th 2008 6:45PM
My husband is a stroke patient who has aphasia, he has lost the ability to speak. He is only 60 and could live for another 30 years unable to speak. This technology would make his life easier. Granted technology can be abused like anything can, but it also can be a boon.
Aine @ Mar 16th 2008 7:13PM
AR says:
"Please just stop all this, we are human beings not computers, we are flawed, we do lose our sight, our hearing and our speech, we do lose the use of limbs....because we are human we are vulnerable and sometimes our vulnerability leaves us with disabilities. As for me I would rather live and adjust to the disabilities, than to become less human, and yes, this is what you people are working towards; that we be more computer than human. Just Stop before it is too late for all of humanity.
03/16/08 2:42 PM"
Honey... Take a pill.
Brit @ Mar 16th 2008 7:31PM
A relative had tumor around his/her vocal cords for about 7 mo. No one wanted to speak because it took so much for the person to speak. This would have been wonderful to have had this aid before our loved one died.