By 2030, we might look a little like the Borg from Star Trek. Sidestepping all of the issues with how we will look and the long-term effects, a neuroscientist has predicted that we will use brain augmentations by 2030. (Some of the most advanced functions like expanded memory could take much longer.) He's 100% serious about all of this. Science will advance to the point where reading your thoughts, enhancing your vision, and even providing more "storage" will become common (and not that weird) in society. Here are a few brain augmentations that could become a reality. 1. More long-term memory storage By 2030, it's possible that we'll invent a way for your brain to store even more information using an implant or a device that's similar to Google Glass (yet much more subtle). You could snap a picture of a map, record your voice reading some facts at the library, or record video and decide to save the content on a flash drive attached to the back of your neck. You might even be able to download notes from a meeting. 2. Photo calibration Your brain could be wired to see images in the real world with more clarity or with more vibrant colors, similar to how the photo effects work in your Instagram feed. While there will be some obvious side effects--our brains might not appreciate the special effects--we could use it sparingly, similar to how most of us can only use VR for short spurts. 3. Messaging by thought Facebook is already working on a telepathic communication platform, so this one is not a stretch. When you want to send a text, it's possible you will simply think the message and an augmentation will capture what you intend to write and send. This will save time when you don't have to type or manage all of your messages. An AI will do that. 4. Augmented reality as a brain implant Of course, the brain augmentation that seems likely is augmented reality, where a fuel price hovers in space above a real gas station or the showtimes at a movie theater appear in your field of vision. Today, this is accomplished using a head-mounted display or on your phone, but eventually an implant will make this possible as you drive or walk around a city. 5. Sensory aids It's not far-fetched to think a sensory device in your ear could help you hear better from a long distance, even across the room at a crowded tech conference. We might even use them to translate languages on the fly or, aiding our vision, zoom in on a scene far away. 6. Skype calls Another idea that seems like it is out of a sci-fi book but is entirely possible has to do with video calls. It's possible a brain implant could also show a video window when you look up or to the side. You'd see the live video, and the person on the other end would hear you talk. An implant could also show whatever you are seeing. Source
