"We're trying to prove you can do interesting things with brain waves," said Intel researcher Dean Pomerleau. "Eventually people may be willing to be more committed.".. to brain implants.

Slightly smaller than the head of a match - the best implants today are only as small as a matchbox - the chip works by blocking pain signals on their way to the brain.

Much as my implants make my brain "hear" sound, more advanced implants could one day evoke sensations of sight, touch and even feelings.