A wearable device called AlterEgo, developed by CEO Arnav Kapur and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is poised to revolutionize how people interact with technology by enabling silent communication through thought. Unveiled on September 8, the device allows users to "speak" words mentally, with the AI system interpreting subtle neuromuscular signals and responding via bone-conduction audio. Rather than reading brain activity directly, AlterEgo detects faint electrical signals in the muscles used for speech—such as those in the jaw, lips, and throat—when someone silently mouths words or thinks them internally. These signals are then processed by artificial intelligence to predict the intended message and deliver a response directly into the user’s ear. Unlike invasive brain-computer interfaces such as those being developed by Neuralink, which require surgical implantation of electrodes, AlterEgo is non-invasive and sits comfortably over the ear. This makes it safer and more accessible, avoiding the risks of surgery and infection. According to Howard Chizeck, an electrical and computer engineer at the University of Washington, the approach is technically feasible and poses fewer privacy concerns than always-on voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, which constantly listen for commands. The device was originally created in 2018 at the MIT Media Lab. Early versions were bulky and limited in function, capable only of basic tasks like searching the web or ordering food. Over time, improvements in AI-powered speech recognition have enabled more accurate interpretation of silent speech, leading to the launch of AlterEgo as a for-profit company earlier this year. One of the most promising applications lies in healthcare. The technology is currently being tested with individuals suffering from ALS and multiple sclerosis, conditions that impair speech. Kapur notes that even in advanced stages of ALS, when voluntary muscle control is severely reduced, there may still be enough residual neuromuscular activity for the device to detect intent. While patients who are completely locked-in—unable to move any muscles—would not be able to use the system, many with early or mid-stage disease can benefit. Clinical trials are ongoing, though results have not yet been published. Chizeck remains cautiously optimistic about its medical potential, particularly for early-stage ALS patients, but questions its long-term viability as the disease progresses and muscle control diminishes. He emphasizes that the device’s effectiveness depends on the user’s ability to generate detectable signals. Beyond healthcare, Kapur envisions broader commercial use, positioning AlterEgo as a new kind of wearable—part tech, part fashion—enabling seamless, hands-free interaction with digital systems. While widespread adoption remains uncertain, the device represents a significant step toward natural, intuitive human-machine communication.