By attaching two button-sized sensors, NASA scientists have recorded and processed the patterns of silent ‘subvocal speech,’ also known as ‘talking to oneself.’ When speaking inaudibly, the brain sends signals to the tongue and vocal chords which can be detected, even if no sound is actually produced. Right now the system only works with a small set of words, but as the detection process improves, the technology could find its way into interfaces for the disabled, or in quiet speech-based interfaces for PDAs and mobiles. Of course the NASA guys talk about using it to control a Mars rover, because with them it’s always rovers. We get it, guys. Mars rover. On the moon. Check. Something with lasers. Check. Move on, people! [Thanks, Abrupt!]
