As the former Chief Marketing Officer of a social media network, my journey into the world of ethical tech began with a profound belief in the potential of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) as a liberating alternative to conventional IoT solutions like Elon Musk's Neuralink. However, my experiences with BCI companies have revealed a challenging landscape marred by compatibility issues, connectivity nightmares, and unmet promises.
Despite being the underdogs in the tech arena, BCI companies have often failed to embrace open-mindedness and collaboration with individuals like myself, who advocate not only for their products but also for their ethical narrative. These products, while not cheap, hold immense promise for reshaping the tech landscape, yet their potential remains largely untapped due to barriers imposed by inaccessible and uncooperative companies.
My disappointment was particularly felt with the NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2 Brainwave Starter Kit, a product I had high hopes for. However, its lack of compatibility with modern systems, including outdated drivers and limited functionality on Android devices, left me frustrated and disillusioned. The absence of Linux options and the expiration of the Arduino option further compounded its limitations, making it difficult to realize its full potential, and serving as the straw that broke the camel's back.
Similarly, my experience with the EMOTIV device was marred by deteriorating EEG quality and connectivity issues, culminating in an outburst of frustration and ultimately leading to its demise. Despite my efforts to rectify the issues, the device fell short of expectations, prompting me to question its reliability and efficacy.
In the face of these challenges, I remain undeterred in my commitment to ethical tech solutions. I believe that collaboration and innovation are essential in unlocking the true potential of BCIs. By working together to overcome compatibility issues, improve connectivity, and enhance performance, we can pave the way for a future where technology empowers rather than encroaches upon our humanity.
BCI companies have an opportunity to revolutionize the tech landscape by fostering partnerships with passionate individuals like myself. By providing access to their devices for free, they can empower creators to develop innovative applications, from indie games to hacker apps, that showcase the true capabilities of BCIs. Together, we can harness the power of BCIs to create a more inclusive and ethical tech landscape, ensuring that the promise of this transformative technology is realized for the benefit of all.