#idea #transhumanism
created at 120723
# [anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195)
# [[Epistemic status]]
#shower-thought
last modified date: 120723
commit: 0
# [[Brain computer interface]] meet [[Augmented reality]]
i believe that [[Augmented reality|AR]] is an intermediary between what we currently use: computers like the macbook, airpods, watches, and [[Brain computer interface]]
[[computing|computer]]s are one of the greatest lever of human [[philosophy/rationality/intelligence|intelligence]] and the main bottleneck of current computers to let humans maximize their potential are:
## output bandwidth
humans are limited by the amount of [[information|information]] they can send to computers
### bandwidth
[[philosophy/rationality/intelligence|intelligence]] is a computational process and the best way to date to enter copilot mode with a computer is to type on a keyboard
### keyboard bandwidth
[[human keyboard bandwidth]]
### speech recognition
with the rise of personal assistant AI like Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Google's Assistant, voice commands have become a standard part of human-computer interaction. voice commands enable hands-free and eyes-free computing and can be faster than typing for many people.
#### physical constraints:
while speaking can be faster than typing for some people, speech can't convey certain types of data as efficiently as text or visual cues. for instance, complex equations, visual layouts, and detailed schematics can be difficult to describe with speech.
#### psychological constraints:
speech can require more cognitive effort than typing or clicking, particularly when structuring complex commands or describing complex concepts. it can also be less private and more disruptive in shared spaces.
### gesture control
gestures are another form of output bandwidth that is becoming more common, especially in VR/AR environments. by tracking the motion of hands, fingers, or even the entire body, computers can allow users to interact with digital objects in a more natural and intuitive way.
#### physical constraints:
while gestures can provide a high degree of control, they can also be physically tiring. they also require a clear line of sight between the user and the tracking device, which can be disrupted easily.
#### psychological constraints:
while gestures can be more intuitive for some tasks, for others they can be less precise and slower than traditional input methods. it can also be challenging to remember a wide range of gesture commands.
### brain-computer interfaces (BCI)
BCIs offer the potential for direct control of computers using thought alone. while still in early development, they have shown promise in both medical and consumer applications.
#### physical constraints:
BCIs require a reliable way to detect and interpret neural signals, which can be challenging due to the complexity and variability of brain activity. they may also require invasive implants, which carry significant medical risks.
#### psychological constraints:
controlling a computer directly with thought can require substantial mental effort, at least with current technology. there may also be concerns about privacy and autonomy, given that BCIs can potentially access and influence mental states directly.
### eye tracking
eye tracking is another potential method of output bandwidth, where the movement and focus of a user's eyes are used to control a computer.
#### physical constraints:
although eye tracking can be fast and intuitive, it can also be tiring and less precise than other forms of input. it requires a clear line of sight and can be affected by factors like lighting conditions and glasses.
#### psychological constraints:
using eye movements as an input method can require mental effort, particularly when the eye is also being used for its primary function of visual perception. it can also be challenging to execute specific commands or input complex data using only eye movements.
## input bandwidth
humans are also limited by the [[information|information]] they can receive from a [[computing|computer]]
## [[the amount of information bandwidth that the human visual sense can process|screen bandwidth]]
despite advances in display technology, we are still fundamentally limited by how much information can be presented to us visually through computer screens. there are both physical and psychological constraints:
### physical constraints:
screens can only be so large before becoming impractical. they also have a maximum resolution, beyond which the human eye cannot perceive any additional detail.
### psychological constraints:
there is a limit to how much information we can absorb and process at once. information overload can lead to decreased comprehension and decision-making quality.
## [[the amount of information bandwidth that the human audition sense can process|sound bandwidth]]
auditory feedback, like music or spoken words, is another way that computers can deliver information. however, there are also limitations here:
### physical constraints:
humans can only hear within a certain range of frequencies, and can only process a certain number of distinct sounds at the same time.
### psychological constraints:
as with visual information, there is a limit to how much auditory information we can absorb and process at once. too much information can become confusing or stressful.
# AR as an intermediary
as mentioned, augmented reality (AR) can act as an intermediary, potentially expanding both input and output bandwidths.
AR devices, like the apple vision pro, superimpose digital information onto the physical world, potentially increasing the amount of information we can process visually. this could allow us to interact with computers in a more intuitive and immersive way.
# brain computer interface
the ultimate goal would be direct brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), such as the neurosity crown. BCIs could bypass the physical constraints of traditional input/output devices, potentially allowing for far greater bandwidths. this could enable us to communicate with computers at the speed of thought, greatly increasing our computational abilities and our ability to leverage AI technology.
however, there are still many technical and ethical challenges to be overcome before BCIs can become a mainstream technology. until then, AR may provide a viable alternative, helping us to push the limits of our relationship with computers and realize more of our potential.
to fully maximize human potential in terms of computational capability, we need to consider both enhancing our ability to send and receive information from computers. only by improving both these aspects can we effectively upgrade our intelligence.