Optronics Wrote:By stringing together arrays of adaptable Optical Chips connected with gossamer thin webs of organically spun glass waveguides, a new type of computing machine was created. These Optronic devices utilize almost no moving parts, consume very little power, and operate at the speed of light. Because Optical Chips can almost instantly reprogram themselves, Optronics excel at the kind of signal processing and computation that underlie a host of practical applications ranging from Consumer Goods to ship avionics.
Nanocapacitors Wrote:The invention of nano-technology achieved wide-spread applications only after the development of efficient power sources that could be integrated into nano-machines. Nano-capacitors are capable of energy storage, recharging, and transmission of energy to nano-machines, which is vital to nano-technology applications. They are used in virtually every level of industrial processing and daily life.
Holo-tainment Bands Wrote:The most lucrative application of bio-neural processors is the development of interactive holo-tainment, which is achieved through the use of a band worn around the head that directly interfaces with a person's brain and literally reads their thoughts. The band responds by creating a virtual reality in the mind of the user according to pre-programmed scenarios and manipulates their neural impulses so that they perceive themselves as actually participating in the activities that the band is programmed with. Popular holo-tainment scenarios include exotic vacations and allowing a user to perceptually "become" a character in a fictional storyline. Since all bio-neural processors are organic, they degrade over time as they age and the holo-entertainment bands must be replaced. The long term health effects of bio-neural manipulation is unclear.
These are infocards of three items I see to be related to the topic at hand. Note the bolded sections of text I've done. All these items seem to really point in the direction of nano-machines and external devices literally, being able to alter what we perceive, and a method of data transmission that Marburg is defending. After looking at these again as a little research, I'm more inclined to favour Marburg's theory of the Neural net.
The technical capabilities do seem to be there, and not just on the foundation level. There does seem to be advancements made in 'Neural-communications'; as it were.
One thing that bugs me is the last section of the Holo-Tainment bands "The long term health effects of bio-neural manipulation is unclear." Whether this gives clearance for possible 'long-term' Neural-Net interaction is unknown. Would governments allow possible health risky brain communications devices? Maybe, if shown its safe. Holo-tainment bands are sold, but they're short term; there may be restrictions of use. Who knows.
In conclusion, the Neural Net in Marburg's eyes, is very possible, and quite likely to be in motion in Freelancer. We'll never know for certain, but the foundations are there for it, and I'd RP along with it should it happen.