Ever wondered what a color sounds like? Weird question, right? Not for Neill Harbisson. Neill describes himself as the world’s first legally recognized cyborg. And while that claim may sound a bit far-fetched, it makes much more sense once you let him describe his self-created technological “upgrade”.
Neill was born with achromatopsia, a hereditary vision disorder affecting 1 out of every 33,000 people in the U.S. Because of his disorder, Neill cannot see color. So what has he decided to do about it? He has given himself a way to hear color, of course.
Neill designed and tested a bendable antenna that he had surgically implanted in his skull. The device picks up light frequencies and converts them into sound waves.
“I don’t feel like I’m using technology. I don’t feel like I’m wearing technology. I feel that I am technology, said Harbisson in a Samsung films highlighting his accomplishment. “Having new sensors on your body parts will create new conversations between people…about their perception of reality and about senses.”
Neill’s story is outlined in an incredible video put together by Samsung called “Hearing Colors” a part of their Connected Series. You can check out the video above and view more from the Samsung Connect Series here. Neill’s story is another reminder to all of us that our eyesight is so precious. Come in and let us help you protect your gift of eyesight!
