Five years ago, Arnold Kapoor, an MIT student, unveiled a groundbreaking, non-invasive wearable device that promised to bring the entire internet into your head. A precursor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, Kapoor’s device allowed users to silently query the internet and receive answers through vibrations transmitted to their inner ear. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Kapoor demonstrated the device’s capabilities by accurately answering questions about the largest city in Bulgaria and its population.
The device gained significant attention, leading to Kapoor’s TED talk, numerous interviews, and accolades from MIT. However, despite the initial buzz and the rapid advancements in AI technology over the past five years, Kapoor and his invention seem to have vanished from the public eye.
Despite attempts to reach Kapoor for updates on his device’s progress, there has been no response. He has not been active on social media platforms, and the latest interview available lacks information about his current endeavors. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Neuralink has gained FDA approval, successfully implanted its technology into the first human patient, and demonstrated the ability to control a computer mouse with thoughts.
The mystery surrounding Kapoor’s disappearance raises questions about the trajectory of his groundbreaking invention. As Neuralink pushes the boundaries of brain-computer interfaces, the fate of Kapoor’s device remains unknown. The contrasting paths of these two innovators prompt a thought-provoking question: Would you prefer a visible but removable device or an invisible implant inside your brain? The answer may shape the future of brain-machine interfaces.