Twitter with your brain

steve smyth — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:50:26 GMT

Now I believe that Twitter really is evil.
Weren't we just discussing that?
Now it's got brain wave controls...
do...do...doo...do...
Twitter away...

Twitter with your brain

Andy Motherway — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:54:41 GMT

Again, please stop talking about Twitter... Twitter is not evil. Twitter is just lame. Lame.

Twitter with your brain

Stephanie Walker, Valrico, Florida — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:06:57 GMT

I think that is a very innovative plan, considering most people take for granted the technology that we could be using to date. We invented this ability to create such things, so why not use it for other things besides just net communications? I mean, if we can control brain waves, or let what they do for themselves escalate into something more extravagant, what would be so bad about that? I'm all for it. Go us for being humans and being capable of such power.

Twitter with your brain

Me — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:23 GMT

OMG!!! Isn't this scary. Pretty soon, they won't have to stick anything into your head to be able to read your brainwave and figure out what you are thinking!!!! Where's that aluminum foil again, ma!

Twitter with your brain

Jym Allyn — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:56:06 GMT

As the Daleks said to Dr. Who, "Resistance is futile."

Twitter with your brain

David, Portland, OR — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:06:59 GMT

Well actually, steve smyth, this is the brain controlling Twitter, not the other way around. Best application of that service that I've seen so far! This is stuff I used to read about in sci fi books as a kid (40 years ago) - VERY cool.

Twitter with your brain

michelle — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:31:36 GMT

The article isn't about Twitter. It's about the possibility for people with ALS and other conditions to communicate with the world, like everyone else. If you've ever know anyone that has been trapped inside their own body, Steve, then you might have some idea of the importance of this.

Twitter with your brain

Ron Fleet — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:30:08 GMT

This excites me so much. Direct computer throughput (i/o) without tactile or audial input. This takes the old Star Trek "Borg" closer to reality. If the technology could go both ways, I could have a thought and direct it to my friend (through our new cranial Blackberries) anywhere on earth or even beyond. Besides the exciting possibilities of communicationg with those locked inside a malfunctioning body!

Twitter with your brain

Seth — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:56:06 GMT

Interesting research. But why does everything have to be tied into Twitter somehow. It's enough already.

http://www.twitterbacklash.com

Twitter with your brain

Betsy M. Zavell — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:11:26 GMT

Brain twittering is one of the the most revolutionized technologies we have today. It is sheer genius and will help to unlock the thoughts of one's mind where speech is not an option due to certain disabilities.

Twitter with your brain

Rena, Portland, Oregon — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:14:51 GMT

Oh, sheesh... LoL! Pretty interesting though...(ツ)

Twitter with your brain

j9 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:52:44 GMT

When I get to be an old curmudgeon, I WANT to be able to yell at people to stop using their telepathic devices and use a keyboard and mouse like me.

Twitter with your brain

PhunniMann — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:02:04 GMT

At least someone is thinking before they type!

Twitter with your brain

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:33:24 GMT

You'd think if they had some brain reading device they could spring for a decent monitor.

Twitter with your brain

EBR in NC — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:03:19 GMT

Wow! Now if they can come up with a brainwave-to-graphics interface we can all start thinking dirty pictures! LOL

But seriously, folks, this is a tremendous idea - a wonderful tool for the "locked-in".

Twitter with your brain

Walter Thompson, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:41:23 GMT

Brilliant - It's like the current Speech Recognition Speech-To-Text computer programs, but for people who can't speak. It even requires some training, just like a good S2T program does, ie. your brain THINKS about spelling a word, spelling each letter out mentally. So, those individuals who are shreiking "OMG - their readig our minds now!" should realize, the process is ENTIRELY voluntary and proactive, you actually have to try and spell the word before it is recognized by the computer. AND you have to train the computer to recognize YOUR OWN PERSONAL Brain Speak to make even that work. So, for all those Chicken Little's out there - learn to Use Your Brain before Engaging in Opinionated Discussions.

Twitter with your brain

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:14:20 GMT

If this could be used in conjuction with robotic exoskeletal limbs that cover the limbs that are being worked on now; this could lead to bionic recontruction for those that have lost limbs or who are paralized. People could walk and talk again.

Twitter with your brain

Jim Campbell — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:16:38 GMT

Resistance is futile.

Twitter with your brain

Andy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:35:22 GMT

This is better - story about a NASA project in 2006 about communicating without talking - just thinking not of just one letter but whole words! Hook that one up to twitter and watch out for all the tweets!

http://thefutureofthings.com/articles/28/speaking-without-saying-a-word.html

Twitter with your brain

steve smyth — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:38:31 GMT

we are a funny bunch...here's some Earth Day goodness before Twitter takes over...and reading is no longer necessary at all...
http://theenvironmentgame.blogspot.com
it's blatant promo, but timely and well intentioned...enjoy!
PLEASE...the gag is not about the life enhancing potential of this breakthrough...lighten up, Kids!

Twitter with your brain

Haggard Old Man, North Highlands, CA — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:23:27 GMT

Will Homeland Security be the sanctioning agency for the "Thought Police"?

Just a thought (not Twittered)

Twitter with your brain

Divinecreatr — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:45:13 GMT

Every sci-fi movie I have seen in my Life ( yeah I am a big Fan) even the jetson reruns I watched as a child, has started comming true.... I have seen this episode of sliders I know how it ends. Soon we will be come a race of human/machine cyborges... lost in the electronic internet... neglecting are humanoid side to the point we forget to perform our necessary body functions... OOPS!!! sorry forgot some people are almost there now... (Hard core Gamers).... Anybody know when the downloading your brain patterns and personality episode of stargate will come true? I would even settle for the lame Star trek the next generation version of the software.. lol

Twitter with your brain

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:43:49 GMT

Michelle is right - this isn't about twitter. But I bet the fact that they tied this incredible and important technology to Twitter gets a lot more people talking and aware of it, which is the important thing. We take communication for granted, and feel stifled with 140 characters, but for some people being able to communicate one word is an achievement.

Twitter with your brain

Robotantics, Tampa, Florida — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:05:34 GMT

Lol, B. Also, 'Me', I don't think that we're close to that yet or that it's even a possibility; control might be, because of changes in brain activity as we focus on something, like they say in the article.

Text isn't exactly written on the brainwaves I don't think, so don't worry about your thoughts being read just yet... ;D

Also, just for those interested in brainwave uses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ7EOpPNQyw&feature=related

A brain-controlled Robot. The robot is a little slow, but it's still amazing. :)

Twitter with your brain

John — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:35:22 GMT

Can we shut up about Twitter already? The only people that care about it seem to be the news media.

It wouldn't surprise me if Twitter was paying CNN and MSNBC to feature their product in every other headline. I can't think of any other reason for all the hype.

Twitter with your brain

Darrel - Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:00:36 GMT

Alan - I think the posters here missed the point because they have never worked with persons with disabilities. This is a good application for the communication bound person. I do not use Twitter but do see the advantages to using this service to communicate with caregivers that are out, emergency services and having a avenue to maintain a social network. Cerebal Palsy is another dibilitating disease that leaves intelligent people able to be highly educated and not be able to share this knowledge or new findings with others. It could also be expanded to text filling for longer communications instead of just individual letters. It is my hope that the negative commenters will take some time and work with persons in a veterans home, sheltered workshop or a school for persons that have been challenged by disease, accident or birth defect.

Twitter with your brain

confusedgirl18 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:25:28 GMT

Wait...this whole twitter thing...Seriously lost me. I went to twitter.com and it was just a bunch of celebs and what not..what does THAT have to do with people with disabilities??

Twitter with your brain

GM, Round Rock Tx — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:28:48 GMT

'Twitter with your brain' - isn't that an oxymoron?

Twitter with your brain

OJB, Dunedin, NZ — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:43:38 GMT

Interesting how the discussion has focussed a lot on Twitter. Its a service I've used for a while and its a lot more useful than its detractors seem to think. Problem is, many people just "don't get it". Maybe its the frivolous name which turns people off. Oh, and BTW, can't wait until I can tweet by just thinking!

Twitter with your brain

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:17:48 GMT

I got it Steve, keep the humor coming. There's been stuff like this for decades. Biofeedback. Moving a ball on a screen. Controlling a tone. This one ups most of the things I've seen because it uses a passive response, a tell. Keep it away from the poker table. Firefox is next.

Twitter with your brain

zelind, imus, Cavite.philippines — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:16:57 GMT

who??? is that twitter... im just curious... and very triggered to know that human..

Twitter with your brain

Bob Adams, East Hants, NS — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:23:15 GMT

This twitter thing is getting out of control. I was at a three day conference, and the person in front of me drove me bananas as she type about 100 words per minute. I finally asked if she was transcribing the speakers... nope, twitter, non-stop. How can typing 140 characters eight hours per day anything other than annoying!

Twitter with your brain

cruzmom123 (San Antonio, TX) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:58:06 GMT

OMG! It has nothing to do about twitter. I think using twitter as an example was a very good idea though. It obviously got everyone talking about it. I have a non-verbal autistic 6 year old son. This technology is amazing! If only to try once to find out what my son was thinking... Not being able to communicate with your son is heartbreaking! If this technology could some how lead in that direction, it could be so beneficial to those with autistic disabilities. We'd love to try it out!!!

Twitter with your brain

TJ Anderson, Houston, Texas — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:16:54 GMT

Here is an update on some of this technology. I'm not a neuroscientists, but I find this rediculously interesting, and important for the future of our society. http://tjanderson.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/forget-twitter-fmri-ftw/