The neckband translates thought into speech by picking up nerve signals; “with careful training a person can send nerve signals to their vocal cords without making a sound. These signals are picked up by the neckband and relayed wirelessly to a computer that converts them into words spoken by a computerized voice.”

The system is called the Audeo, and currently understands 150 words and phrases. Applications range from cell phones, VOIP, IM (including voice to text recognition) and services for those who have lost their voice.

Truly amazing but a long way from real world usage if you ask me. Definitely a concept to look into for the future.

Source: NewScientist; via: TechCrunch