Neuralink update: Monkey moves cursor and plays Pong

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Neuralink has showcased a new video demonstrating a monkey controlling a cursor and playing Pong using a brain implant, highlighting advancements in the technology. Unlike previous demonstrations, this implant is wireless, consumes very low power, and features ten times more channels, making it a significant innovation. A human trial is anticipated within 1-2 years, likely involving a paralyzed individual who would control the device through thought rather than physical movement. Additionally, there is potential for the implant to interface with language areas of the brain, enabling users to create a code for controlling various prosthetics, including speech synthesizers.
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Neuralink has released a new video and other updates of a monkey moving a cursor and playing pong via a brain implant.
Here is Reuters article and here is an in-depth commentary by an expert.

Playing pong with brain implants isn't new (here is a 2006 demonstration), but doing so with an implant that's invisible, works wirelessly, with a very low power consumption, while at the same time having 10 times more channels - that's new. A first human implant could follow within 1-2 years based on the analysis video above. Most likely someone who is paralyzed. They wouldn't move their limbs as calibration signal, but you can ask them to think about that action.
 
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With a human, there are other options. There may be an advantage in interfacing to a language area instead of a motor area - to allow the person to develop an intentional code that can be used to control a variety of prosthetics - including speech synthesizers.
 

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