The rise of AI means computers are better at understanding us and finding what we want than ever before. With artificial intelligence making its way into our daily lives and big tech companies offering new ways of interacting with computers that bypass traditional displays, mice, and keyboards, one question arises: will it render traditional computer screens obsolete?

How AI is shaking things up

The idea of eliminating computer screens might seem radical at first glance, especially considering how integral they are to our current digital experience. However, several emerging trends and technologies suggest that the role of screens in our interaction with computers could indeed undergo significant transformation.

One of the primary drivers of this potential shift is the development of virtual assistants and conversational interfaces. These interfaces, fueled by AI algorithms, enable users to interact with computers using natural language, gestures, or even thoughts, bypassing the need for traditional screens.

Voice Assistants: All you have to do is speak

Voice-controlled assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant have already become omnipresent in many households, offering a glimpse into a screen-less future.

With continuous advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, these virtual assistants are becoming increasingly adept at understanding and fulfilling user requests without the need for visual feedback – whether it’s changing music, suggesting films, or knowing the weather or traffic situation.

AR and VR are opening new worlds

AI-driven technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are redefining how we perceive and interact with digital content. While AR enhances the real world by overlaying digital content such as images, videos, or 3D models onto the user’s view through a device like a smartphone or AR glasses, VR creates a completely immersive digital environment that transports users to a simulated reality through specialized headsets.

Despite being different, both technologies have the potential to provide rich, interactive experiences that go beyond the confines of traditional screens. With applications spanning entertainment, education, healthcare, and architecture, users can explore distant planets, participate in immersive gaming scenarios, or undergo virtual training simulations.

Communication tools: Less screen-to-screen

In the realm of productivity and workplace collaboration, AI-powered tools are reshaping how teams communicate and collaborate. Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack leverage AI to streamline communication, automate tasks, and facilitate knowledge sharing, reducing reliance on conventional screen-based interfaces.

But let’s go even further and enter a new dimension with Virtual Reality (VR) technology. VR offers immersive environments where team members can interact, collaborate, and communicate as if they were physically present, regardless of their actual locations. Platforms like Spatial and VRChat enable users to meet in virtual spaces, represented by customizable avatars, where they can engage in discussions, share presentations, and collaborate on projects in real-time.

The Internet of Things: A whole other level

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) further contributes to the decreasing prominence of traditional screens. IoT devices, ranging from smart speakers and thermostats to wearables and connected appliances, enable seamless communication and interaction, reducing reliance on screens for everyday tasks.

Voice commands, gestures, and haptic feedback mechanisms allow users to control and monitor these devices effortlessly. For instance, smart home assistants respond to voice commands to play music, adjust lighting, or provide information. Moreover, IoT-enabled wearables such as fitness trackers and smartwatches deliver notifications and alerts through vibrations or auditory cues, eliminating the need to interact with a screen.

So, what can we expect for the future?

Despite these promising advancements, the complete eradication of computer screens is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Screens continue to play a vital role in many applications, such as graphic design, video editing, and gaming, where visual feedback is paramount. Furthermore, certain daily tasks may still necessitate the use of traditional screens.

Additionally, the transition to a screen-less paradigm poses significant challenges and considerations. Accessibility concerns, privacy implications, and user preferences all need to be carefully addressed to ensure that AI-driven interfaces cater to the diverse needs of individuals in a world where the user has the final say.