Facebook today announced that it is acquiring CTRL-labs, a New York-based startup developing technology that would allow humans to control computers using their brains. CNBC reports that the deal is valued at approximately $1 billion.
As part of the acquisition, CTRL-labs will join Facebook’s Reality Labs division, which is also working on developing augmented reality glasses. Facebook’s vice president of AR/VR, Andrew Bosworth, confirmed the acquisition in a post, praising the CTRL-labs technology as opening up “new creative possibilities.”
Bosworth also offers a brief explanation of how the technology will work using a wristband that’s a “natural extension of movement.”
The wristband will decode those signals and translate them into a digital signal your device can understand, empowering you with control over your digital life. It captures your intention so you can share a photo with a friend using an imperceptible movement or just by, well, intending to.
Facebook has detailed its efforts in brain computing before. Back in July, the company provided an update on its “hands-free communication without saying a word” technology. Research suggests, however, that this sort of technoloyg is still years away from commercial availability.
