Sony has patented a device for transmitting sensory data directly into the human brain. The technique is completely non-invasive. As reported by New Scientist, the device fires pulses of ultrasound at the head to modify firing patterns in targeted parts of the brain, creating "sensory experiences" ranging from moving images to tastes and sounds.

Choice is an illusion (Courtesy: Matrix)Sony is (understandably) quite tight-lipped about this. Current methods of non-invasive manipulation of the brain remains crude, since magnetic/electric fields cannot be focussed on single cells/neurons in the brain, without affecting the neighboring cells as well. However, independent researchers, like Niels Birbaumer, a pioneering neuroscientist at the University of Tübingen in Germany says he has looked at the device, and found it plausible.
If this is true, and if the device has sufficient focus and resolution, it will have huge applications, and consequences. On the positive side, there will be applications in medicine, recreation (something like Holodeck from StarTrek comes to mind) and immersive scientific visualizations and simulations. On the negative side, I am sure the military would like to have a go at this (good for torture, brainwashing, the whole nine yards).
I am keeping my fingers crossed! :):)