The way we interact with computers is changing. For years, we’ve been accustomed to screens and keyboards, but these familiar interfaces are increasingly being challenged by new technologies. Think of voice recognition, which has become commonplace in our phones and smart speakers. Or touch feedback from touchscreens, allowing you to actually feel virtual buttons. But the future goes further than that: we’re already seeing prototypes of virtual and laser projection keyboards, and even the rise of brain-controlled interfaces that convert our thoughts into commands.

Farewell to the physical?

Perhaps the most striking change is the disappearance of the physical keyboard and screen as we know them. Why type when you can simply speak? Why stare at a screen when information can appear directly in your field of vision through augmented reality (AR) glasses? This shift promises a much more natural interaction with technology. You could say that technology is adapting to us, rather than the other way around.

The Computer as Pet

A highly interesting and increasingly gaining traction concept is the idea that the computer of the future will be more than just a tool, it could become a companion, a kind of digital pet. With the rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and social robotics, we are already witnessing machines exhibiting increasingly human behavior.

Imagine an AI system that not only manages your schedule, but also senses your mood, keeps you company, and even proactively makes suggestions based on your needs and emotions. This goes beyond current smart assistants, we are talking about systems that learn, evolve, and develop a unique “personality.” These digital companions could play an important role in combating loneliness or providing support, similar to the role that pets currently play.

XR Glasses and the Smartwatch

While VR and AR glasses hold great promise for virtual experiences, there is a growing debate about their social aspect. These glasses can be perceived as antisocial. When someone wears bulky glasses that cover their eyes or obscure their vision, this can create a barrier in direct, human interaction. They are far too disconnected from their surroundings, completely immersed in a virtual world, which can create a social divide. This disconnection can be perceived as uncomfortable or even disrespectful in social settings.

I believe the smartwatch will play a crucial role and gain more traction. The smartwatch offers a much more social way to interact with technology. It doesn’t completely isolate the person from reality and doesn’t obstruct direct gaze or facial expressions. The information and interactions are much more personal, and others can see what you’re doing, making it more social.

The smartwatch can be the hub that brings together all these new forms of interaction without the social barriers of glasses: projecting a virtual keyboard onto your hand, displaying information, or even facilitating direct communication with your AI companion via voice or vibration. The ability to use technology respectfully makes the smartwatch an attractive candidate for a central role in the computing of the future.

Calling with AI

A fascinating addition to this vision is the advent of making calls with AI. This goes beyond current voice bots and customer service systems. You imagine a conversation with an AI becoming as normal as a phone call with a human. However, the distinction is clear: you know you’re talking to an AI, which allows for a different dynamic. This can be useful, for example, if you want to quickly discuss something or have a question that doesn’t require an immediate response from a human. It provides the flexibility to “contact a human later,” knowing that the AI has already handled the initial task or question.

AI is becoming intertwined and doesn’t replace human interaction, it provides an additional layer of communication. It can act as a filter, a gateway, or an efficient partner for specific tasks, allowing human conversations to be more meaningful and focused when they do occur.

It’s also more social. When people call, it’s clear they’re busy, making it easier to understand because it’s already happening. People who call often seek out a quiet spot. It’s less vague or mysterious than XR glasses.

Human and AI Intertwined

AI and humans won’t replace each other, but rather become intertwined. This is my vision. It’s not about a battle between humans and machines, but about a symbiotic relationship in which AI strengthens and complements our human capabilities.

In this vision of the future, AI systems are a replacement for human relationships, but rather tools that help us communicate better, work more efficiently, and even gain deeper insights into ourselves and the world around us. The computer of the future, whether it’s an invisible AI assistant, an advanced smartwatch, or an AI conversational partner, will act as a bridge connecting us to information, to other people, and even to new dimensions of human experience.

This interconnectedness means that the social acceptance of technology will become crucial. Interfaces that respect and enhance our social interactions, such as the smartwatch and clear AI communication, will likely be preferred over technologies that isolate us. The future of computing is not only technologically advanced but also deeply human, focused on harmonious collaboration between humans and increasingly intelligent systems.