The Brainwave (often shortened to "wave") is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) installed into almost everybody in the setting of Hyper-Reality. It combines all the functionality of a supercomputer, smartphone, and virtual reality headset into one.

Waves are especially crucial to modern life, as they allow individuals to access Hyperreality, a tactile interface with the world usable only by those with a brainwave. Many high-tech vehicles and weapons have HR projectors built into their design, and Chicago is the first city in the world to be wired wall-to-wall, corner-to-corner with public HR projectors.