The Relic – why all the fuss?

For years, experts in the field of cybernetics, neurology and psychology have been desperately trying to merge human consciousness with silicon. Until now, their efforts have been unsuccessful – though scientists have managed to create artificial intelligences that can compare, or indeed, surpass human intellect, copying the human "I" has remained beyond our capabilities. Attempts to do so have merely resulted in sophisticated chatbots – digital beings capable of mimicking human speech and mannerisms, but devoid of self-awareness.

Today, experts from Arasaka announced a breakthrough. Their newest project, dubbed the "Relic," allows human minds to be copied onto shards no larger than a credchip. What's more, the shard can be slotted into one's neural port, allowing its user to "hear" and "see" digitized personality constructs.

Sadly, I haven't been able to personally examine the specifications of this remarkable piece of technology. Access to the Relic is heavily restricted by Arasaka, and only a small, select group of testers are allowed to participate in the program. Unsurprisingly, these testers are among the wealthiest and most influential people in the world – precisely the kinds of people Arasaka would like to have in its pocket. For the ordinary consumers reading this – don't expect the Relic to hit mass markets anytime soon.