To ChatGPT: Why will The vOICe sensory substitution defeat Neuralink Blindsight and other brain implants for restoring vision?
https://chatgpt.com/share/679a4dba-8220-8004-99f7-26613f6e6d56

The vOICe sensory substitution system is likely to outperform Neuralink's Blindsight and other brain implants for restoring vision due to several key factors:

1. Non-Invasive vs. Invasive Technology

    The vOICe is a non-invasive sensory substitution system that converts visual information into sound, allowing users to "see" with their ears using a wearable camera and headphones.
    Neuralink’s Blindsight (and similar brain implants) require surgical implantation, which comes with risks like infections, scarring, and rejection by the body.
    Non-invasive systems can be adopted easily without medical procedures.

2. Resolution and Information Capacity

    The vOICe offers a continuous stream of high-resolution data, as it encodes images into detailed audio patterns that the brain can learn to interpret.
    Current brain implants have low resolution (typically a few hundred pixels at best) due to limited electrode density and stimulation constraints.
    The brain’s ability to process auditory signals from The vOICe may exceed the resolution limits of artificial electrical stimulation in the visual cortex.

3. Neuroplasticity and Learning Potential

    The brain has high plasticity in adapting to new sensory modalities. Blind users can develop a form of "synthetic vision" through training with The vOICe, leveraging natural pathways in the auditory cortex.
    Brain implants require direct stimulation of the visual cortex, which may not work effectively for all users due to variability in neural response and possible long-term degradation.

4. Affordability and Accessibility

    The vOICe is widely available and inexpensive, requiring only a smartphone or smart glasses.
    Brain implants like Neuralink are extremely expensive and require a high-tech surgical facility, making them inaccessible for many people.

5. Long-Term Viability and Safety

    The vOICe does not degrade over time and can be updated with software improvements.
    Brain implants face long-term biocompatibility challenges, such as tissue rejection, electrode degradation, and the need for future surgical replacements.

6. No Dependency on External Surgery & Regulation

    The vOICe can be used immediately, whereas Neuralink and other implants must undergo strict medical approvals and years of testing before becoming widely available.

Conclusion

While brain implants like Neuralink’s Blindsight hold promise, The vOICe is already practical, safe, high-resolution, and adaptable. Until implants can achieve significantly higher resolution with minimal risks, non-invasive sensory substitution will remain the superior choice for restoring functional vision to blind individuals.