#3,349 – AlterEgo Update
September 14, 2025 by Craig Shames
I first wrote about AlterEgo back in 2018, when it was first being developed at MIT. Now seven a half years later, after a groundbreaking demo, we’re on the verge of finally seeing this game-changing technology come to fruition. And its potential impact cannot be understated. For it could completely change how we communicate, allowing us to now do so silently and almost telepathically.
CNET explains how it works:
“The device works by detecting signals the brain sends out before you speak aloud. Powered by a technology called Silent Sense, the new wearable can detect the full spectrum of speech by its wearer, including when mouthing words or intending to speak. Alterego’s generative artificial intelligence then responds, and those communications are sent to the user via a bone-conduction speaker.
While it can’t capture thought, the company describes Alterego as ‘the world’s first near-telepathic wearable that enables silent communication at the speed of thought.’ It’s not telepathy, but by interpreting your inner voice, it’s a step toward speech without speaking.”
You can learn more about it by watching the video below:
There have been other BCI’s to make headlines, most notably Elon Musk’s Neuralink, but AlterEgo sounds like it could be just as good, if not better. Allowing us to essentially merge with AI years ahead of the predicted arrival of The Singularity.
But what exactly can this new device do? When it comes to AlterEgo what is all the hype really about?
Tom’s Hardware explains what it will enable you to do:
” *Type at the speed of thought (no keyboard required)
*Restore speech capability for those with impairments
*Silently search the internet
*Control apps and devices hands-free
*Ask questions about the world around you (via on-device cameras)
*Hold silent, private conversations with others
*Unlock new levels of human-AI collaboration.”
All of this would be completely game-changing. Students wouldn’t have to worry about getting caught passing notes ever again. Brainstorming sessions would take on a whole new meaning. Spycraft would get taken to a whole new level with state secrets passed silently. People could multi-task like never before and become smarter with the internet just a thought away. The possibilities are truly endless.
AlterEgo and all of the other brain computer interfaces that are on the way are seriously going to change so much that we do. Starting with our very own thoughts.
Is AlterEgo the Greatest Idea Ever?