To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing.”

Neuralink rival Synchron is connecting its brain–computer interface with consumer technologies to allow people with paralysis more functionality.

A New York-based neurotech startup, Synchron, successfully implanted its brain-computer interface into a blood vessel on the brain of the man with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Saying “Alexa, play KCBS Radio,” without having to speak at all may soon be a reality. This week, the brain-computer interface (BCI) company Synchron announced that a man accessed Amazon’s speaker with his direct thoughts.

A man with ALS became the first person to control an Amazon Alexa with his thoughts via an implanted brain-computer interface.

Now, Mark is back to test another gadget interface, a more modest Amazon Fire tablet with access to Amazon Alexa. Through Alexa, Mark has access to a variety of smart home and communication tools controlled entirely by his brain.