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Rethinking the Interface
Where does technology go after screens?
Reflecting on the screen-dominated landscape depicted in our previous newsletter, "Living in WALL-E World," we find ourselves at the crossroads of technological evolution. While screens have become our windows to the world, they hinder genuine human interaction and engagement with our surroundings. Inspired by the rich and interactive universe of the 1977 "Star Wars" film, this piece imagines a future where technology brings us closer to each other and our environment, moving beyond the passive screen to a world of active, immersive experiences.
Digital Vacuum
The goal for most tech engineers is to go beyond the screen. Screens are currently used as a medium to access the digital world. Still, this interaction is often isolated and disconnected from the physical world, much like how light fades in a dark room when the shades are shut.
At Ubik, we strive to create digital experiences that are more integrated with our physical environment and don't occur in a vacuum.
Physical-Digital Experiences
While "Star Wars" captivated audiences with its cosmic narratives, the seamless integration of technology and life painted the future. Droids in this universe were not mere gadgets but companions, colleagues, and adventure enablers. This vision of technology is deeply interwoven with daily life yet enhances the human experience and guides our exploration of interactive tech's potential.
The nature of this technological evolution lies in its ability to reconnect us—to each other, our communities, and the world around us. Interactive technology holds the promise of augmenting not just reality but also humanity. It's about turning solitary screen time into shared experiences, transforming passive consumption into active creation, and ensuring that every technological advancement brings us closer to a world where every interaction is meaningful.
Choosing Our Tech Future: VR vs. Droids
As we step into a world filled with new tech, we have a big decision: do we go all-in on Virtual Reality (VR) or invite intelligent robots, called droids, into our daily lives? Both choices are exciting but offer different ways to live and interact with technology.
1. The VR Path: Jumping into New Worlds
Think of VR as a super-powerful video game that takes over all your senses. You can swim with dolphins, walk on Mars, or hang out with friends in a virtual park without leaving your room. VR is incredible for making learning fun and taking you places you can't go in real life. But, if we're always in these virtual worlds, we must find a balance.
2. The Droid Path: Smart Friends in Our World
Imagine having a robot friend who can help you with homework, play games, or even remind you to water the plants. Droids can make our real world more interesting and helpful. They're not just screens on a wall; they can move around and interact with us. But we must also consider how these droids fit into our lives. We want them to do only some things for us; we still need to learn, play, and solve problems independently.
Making the Choice
Choosing between VR and droids is a big deal. It's not just about what's cooler; it's about how we want to live and relate to each other. With VR, we can explore new places in a virtual world. With droids, we can make our everyday world more fun and helpful. Most importantly, we use these technologies to make life better for everyone without forgetting the natural world and the people around us.
Charting a Course for Tech with Heart
With new technological wonders, human connections should steer the development of AI hardware. It's not just about the coolest device or the latest gadget; it's about crafting technology with heart, intention, and a deep understanding of the human journey. Devices should do more than respond to commands; they should understand our needs, share our moments, and genuinely contribute to our lives. Innovation is a partnership between technology and humanity, growing and learning together. It isn't about new ways to escape.
Fiig.ai by Ubik
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Raises some interesting questions that everyone should be thinking about right now. It was a pleasure to read!
Great article, we definitely need more diverse thought around how tech will evolve into our lives going forward