Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new technology, the CL1, developed by Cortical Labs, which is the first commercial biological computing platform that integrates live human neurons with silicon chips, creating a hybrid intelligence system that can learn and adapt [6][10][12]. Group 1: Technology Overview - CL1 consists of 800,000 live human neurons connected to a silicon chip, allowing it to process information and exhibit certain "quasi-conscious" characteristics [6][8]. - The technology is not about mimicking the brain but directly integrating parts of the brain into the chip, creating a system that learns like a human brain while processing information efficiently like a computer [9][10]. - The system operates with low power consumption, with a total power requirement of only 850 to 1000 watts, significantly lower than traditional GPU clusters used for AI tasks [15]. Group 2: Market Potential - The initial price for a CL1 unit is $35,000, which can drop to $20,000 for bulk purchases, targeting neuroscience researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and AI research teams [18]. - Cortical Labs has introduced a "Wetware as a Service" (WaaS) model, allowing researchers to rent access to a live neuron computing node for $300 per week, making it accessible without the need for physical ownership [19][20]. Group 3: Philosophical Implications - The article raises questions about the potential for human brain functions to be commodified and whether consciousness can be reshaped or utilized in new ways through technology [21][22]. - It contrasts the approaches of Cortical Labs and Neuralink, highlighting the different philosophies regarding the integration of human cognitive abilities with technology [20][21].