Faggin's Post-Intel Ventures and Legacy
After leaving Intel in 1974, Federico Faggin founded Zilog and conceived the Z80 microprocessor, which became one of the most successful microprocessors ever produced, still in high-volume production today.
Faggin went on to found and lead three start-up companies, including Synaptics, where he pioneered human-to-computer interface products using neural networks and mixed-signal technology.
Synaptics is renowned for developing capacitive sensing touchscreens and the TouchPad, widely used in laptops, bringing a new level of interactivity between humans and computers.
Faggin's legacy extends beyond his technical contributions, as he has inspired generations of engineers and entrepreneurs with his innovative spirit and vision for the future of human-computer interaction.
Would you like to know more about Faggin's work at Synaptics, his approach to human-computer interface design, or his thoughts on the future of interactive technologies?
Note: I can provide more information on Faggin's post-Intel ventures and his contributions to the development of human-computer interface technologies.
Retirement has allowed him to return to his passion for science, philosophy and design, and exploring the role of technology in our lives.
"Since I retired from business a couple years ago, I have started a non-profit foundation for the study of consciousness," said Faggin. "Consciousness, in my way of looking at it, is the new frontier. It is what defines a human being, and distinguishes it from a machine.
"They [computers] will allow human beings to recognize what makes them human and people will recognize how much more powerful a human being is than a machine."
He believes that quantum computers could fundamentally change the nature of computing beyond the capabilities of today's mechanical computer.
"As for whether computers that are quantum or not can rival human intelligence, I have my doubts," said Faggin.
Does Faggin believe that computers can replicate human intelligence or consciousness?
Yes. I would.
What are his views on self-awareness and how that enters into this discussion?