Meta’s newest invention, a wristband meant to interpret muscle signals, could change the way people control their devices. The novel device was created by a research group led by Dario Farina. It enables users to compose text at an astonishing speed of 20 words per minute through customizable swipes. Experts are sounding the alarm that major hurdles remain before it can reach widespread deployment.
This brings upon an important challenge that Farina highlights. The device needs to be sturdy enough to effectively function in varying anatomies. It is required to perform all of this with very low error rates. Users are typically limited to about 40 WPM on most keyboards due to typing speeds. In fact, expert typists can go faster than 100 wpm. Too bad, then, that the wristband’s present pace could put off would-be wearers.
Limitations of the Wearable Device
The wristband operates under significant constraints. It assumes a typical limb shape and requires fine motor control, which could limit its usability for individuals with diverse physical conditions. Limb-different advocate Solomon Romney asks some of the most important questions about whether and how the device will be able to adapt.
“As a limb-different person, I am always looking for ways to move activities to my limblet rather than continue to overload my typical hand. How easily can it be adjusted to fit non-typical limbs and/or musculature? How does it filter tremors? How effectively would it work for someone with no hands to wear on their ankle?” – Solomon Romney
For the device to gain universal acceptance, it should accommodate anatomical variations. Furthermore, it must maintain an error rate that is at least the equal of traditional input devices.
Another field expert, Eben Kirksey, raises doubts about the new device’s chances in the marketplace. He notes that many potential users might hesitate to transition from conventional typing methods due to the slow input speed.
“Most people type at around 40 words a minute and highly skilled typists can bang out upwards of 100 words a minute. Since this new wearable device only enables users to write 20 words a minute, I doubt many people will want to take the time to learn how to use this new way to interface with computers,” – Eben Kirksey
User Experience and Control
Though the wristband has its shortcomings, it does provide some interesting functionality. Farina gives users the example of being able to go about their day-to-day without accidentally triggering the device. Since the technology is based on learned gestures, the user can control the input without breaking up and focusing on everyday gestures.
“A potential user of the device can perform any activity of daily living without the risk to activate the device, and yet control the device with the specific gestures for which the device has been trained,” – Dario Farina
Volunteer third-party testers have shown impressive test-taking abilities even with limited preparation. Participants who had no previous experience with the wristband completed a mean of 20.9 WPM. They did so through the use of handwriting gestures. This is an important signal that even though the tech itself may not be 100% ready, it has promise for certain use cases and audiences.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
It’s the technology underneath this new wearable that’s really impressive. Farina underscores that the wristband is about so much more than decoding exotic ingredients. This represents an incredible step forward, exceeding all past technologies combined.
“The amount of information decoded with this device is very large, far larger than any previous attempt,” – Dario Farina
Farina emphasizes that this technology isn’t mind-reading and can’t force users to do things they don’t want to do.
“It is not a mind-reading system. It cannot make you act in a different way as imposed by your will, it does not connect you to other people neurally, it does not predict your intentions,” – Dario Farina
This guarantee can go a long way in assuaging concerns about privacy and autonomy that come with the use of wearable technology.
The Road Ahead
As Meta continues its development of this innovative wristband, the focus remains on addressing its limitations while enhancing user experience. Farina and his team realize they have some heavy lifting ahead. In order to realize their vision of large-scale distribution of the device, they have to tackle challenges around anatomical diversity and error-rate.