Uplinks

When most people are around eighteen to twenty-one, they get implanted with cyberware called uplinks. Uplinks are grown within the brain, under the supervision of a medical professional. Uplinks are protein wafers grown in the brain and linked directly with key nerves and parts of the brain. For external communications, there is an antenna implanted at the base of the skull, near the spinal cord. 

The uplinks can display images across the field of vision and also connect with auditory nerves. This is how AR (augmented reality) technology works. Windows can be opened up to interface with various systems, communicate with others, play games, read news, and more. 

Uplinks don’t record or transmit data from the brain, in effect the user’s eyes are not cameras nor are their ears like microphones. It also has safety overrides in case there is malicious activity or hacking. The user can turn off the AR functionality at any time. 

The implant also features limited onboard computing power, it needs to be paired with a terminal for full functionality. The implanted transmitter is not that powerful, and it has to be within a few meters of a communication terminal. 

Terminals

Terminals are handheld electronic devices that have multiple functions, they have cameras and microphones for taking pictures, or videos or phone calls. Terminals use flexible screens which can scroll up when they are not in use. When scrolled up terminals look like a pair of chopsticks or pens, their length can vary by model. The screen is scrolled up inside when not in use. When unscrolled the screen becomes stiff and functions much like a regular touchscreen display. 

Terminals can pair up with brain implants and function as the main processor and also as a pathway to network connectivity. If the terminal is lost a person can pair with another terminal for access. 

Augmented Reality (AR)

There are a number of different applications for augmented reality (AR) technology. To use AR, one must have either uplinks or use special glasses. AR windows can be displayed in front of you for access to various systems or to manipulate applications. 

AR can be used to identify people as well. If a person has their Universal Profile Card (UPC) in a discoverable mode that would display around the person giving various pieces of information they wish to display to the world, for example their name, Pillar Network affiliation, employment, relationship status, and more. 

Since the eyes are not used as cameras in AR, other cameras have to be used to take in information as needed. These can be the cameras on the terminals or cameras found in the environment. 

Virtual Reality (VR)

Far more immersive than augmented reality, virtual reality (VR), can stimulate all the senses of the user. A halo is placed on the VR user’s head to interface with their uplinks. The user will usually go to a dark booth or a sensory deprivation chamber to reduce background information that could degrade the VR experience. The VR experience fully engages all the senses.

VR has a number of applications. VR can be used to control and pilot drones in combat, construction equipment, gaming, entertainment, sexual services, and more. It is not unusual for some VR users to use nootropics to enhance the VR experience. Military personnel use nootropic battlepackages to help enhance concentration, focus, reflexes, bond strength, etc.

Overuse can, however, be a problem. There are a number of people who can become withdrawn and isolated due to VR addiction. Paired with mind-altering drugs, this can be a very dangerous habit.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is prolific in the year 2300. Many mundane jobs have been automated and many professional jobs have been enhanced with man-machine pairing. Professionals have an array of powerful tools at their fingertips that just a few centuries ago would have seemed unbelievable. 

Most AIs work quietly in the background and rarely draw attention to themselves. They are purpose-built applications and lack any sort of independent thought or sentience. There are, of course, some scientists and researchers who are interested in creating truly sentient AIs, but these efforts have so far proven elusive. There are a number of pseudo-sentient AIs which can mimic emotions and carry on deep conversations with people who might not realize they are AIs. 

AI research and development has, however, slowed during the 23rd century. The gains made in the 21st and 22nd century plateaued and it has been difficult to make similar great advancements. Developments in AI have become more incremental over the past century as a result of information technology maturing, along with the underlying physical technology underpinning how computers work.