A man with ALS became the first person to control an Amazon Alexa with his thoughts via an implanted brain-computer interface.

A New York-based neurotech startup, Synchron, successfully implanted its brain-computer interface into a blood vessel on the brain of the man with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing.”

Neuralink rival Synchron is connecting its brain–computer interface with consumer technologies to allow people with paralysis more functionality.

An ALS patient manipulated Amazon’s Alexa through a brain implant, enabling him to control devices and stream shows mentally. This advancement illustrates the potential of brain-computer interfaces to provide independence to those with degenerative diseases,

Synchron today announced the first use of Amazon's Alexa by a patient implanted with its brain-computer interface (BCI).

Synchron is one of several companies working to make brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) a reality. Earlier this summer, Synchron revealed one of its study participants could use the Apple Vision Pro VR headset thanks to the Synchron implant.

A 64-year-old ALS patient successfully controlled Alexa using his thoughts through a brain implant, allowing him to perform tasks like making video calls, playing music, and operating smart home devices.

On Monday, Synchron, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company, announced this development, revealing that the 64-year-old patient, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can stream shows,