A significant transformation in consumer interaction with AI is expected by 2025, moving from tools to superhuman abilities, raising vital ethical discussions.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, a marked shift is anticipated in the interaction between consumers and artificial intelligence (AI) by the year 2025. According to a report in VentureBeat, major tech companies are poised to transition from traditional tool sales to the provision of more potent capabilities, which are described as ‘superhuman abilities’. This evolution marks a significant moment in the integration of AI into everyday life.
The distinction between tools and abilities is crucial in understanding this shift. Tools, such as cars and computers, are external aids that help users overcome limitations, whereas abilities are internalized skills that enhance one’s cognitive and perceptual functions. This emerging trend suggests that consumers will soon experience enhanced cognitive functions through what is termed “augmented mentality,” resulting from the convergence of AI, conversational computing, and augmented reality.
This augmented mentality is expected to be realised through context-aware AI agents situated within wearable devices, notably AI glasses. By 2030, it is forecasted that a majority of people will co-exist with these technology-embedded assistants, which will observe their surroundings and provide real-time enhancements to their experience. The capabilities of these AI agents will extend beyond simple information retrieval; they will act as an intuitive support system, offering insights and reminders tailored to personal contexts.
The transition from current computational models to the proposed ability model involves several stages. The first of these stages will allow users to simply whisper to their AI agents for immediate responses. This shift promises to make interactions more seamless and integrated into users’ realities. For instance, instead of searching for the hours of a store on a device, a user could inquire directly to their AI assistant, receiving instant information relayed audibly back to them.
As these capabilities develop, by 2030, users may only need to mouth their queries for the AI to understand them through advanced sensor technologies. Furthermore, predictions extend to 2035, where the expectation is that users will be able to convey their thoughts to AI systems simply by focusing on a topic, with the technology interpreting nuanced signals from their brain activity.
The forecast does not only cater to information-gathering but anticipates a much wider range of applications. Potential enhancements include the ability to read emotional cues from faces, aiding individuals in social contexts to respond more effectively in conversations. Such skills will enable a richer understanding of interpersonal dynamics, thus improving communication.
Major tech players are actively working towards this vision. Meta has been pioneering developments in this space by integrating context-aware AI into its Ray-Ban glasses and unveiling a mixed reality prototype known as Orion. Meanwhile, Google has signalled its intent by introducing Android XR, an AI-driven operating system geared towards augmenting reality with seamless information integration. Collaboratively, Google and Samsung are also planning to launch new AR headsets and glasses. These concerted efforts underscore the urgent race among technology giants to establish leadership in the burgeoning market for augmented mental capabilities.
However, the movement towards these advanced functionalities raises important considerations regarding ethical use, data privacy, and consumer manipulation. There are warnings about the potential dangers when AI technologies can selectively alter perceptions and influence behaviour through targeted guidance. Louis Rosenberg, the founder of several tech companies and an expert in AI applications, cautions that the responsibility for these innovations lies not with consumers, but with companies and regulators. He advocates for a subscription-based business model to promote healthy competition, arguing that this could mitigate potential abuses of power while ensuring consumers genuinely benefit from enhancements without being subjected to intrusive marketing tactics.
In conclusion, as businesses and technologies converge on this new frontier, the impending rollout of superhuman abilities through AI could revolutionise everyday experiences, provided there is vigilant oversight and ethically sound practices. The future landscape appears promising, yet requires careful navigation to align innovation with the principles of consumer protection and responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.nice.com/info/top-ai-cx-trends-for-2025-how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-customer-experience – This article discusses the integration of AI in customer experience, including hyper-personalization, emotional intelligence, and omnichannel AI integration, which aligns with the concept of enhanced cognitive functions through AI.
- https://www.medallia.com/our-top-8-predictions-for-customer-experience-trends-in-2025/ – This source predicts the emergence of hyper-personalized experiences and the use of AI to anticipate customer needs, similar to the concept of augmented mentality and context-aware AI agents.
- https://lucidworks.com/post/50-customer-experience-trends-2025/ – This article highlights the role of AI in transforming customer experiences, including AI-driven emotional intelligence and personalized support, which is in line with the predicted advancements in augmented mentality.
- https://www.nice.com/info/top-ai-cx-trends-for-2025-how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-customer-experience – This source mentions generative AI for customer interaction, which could handle a significant portion of customer interactions autonomously, similar to the seamless interactions predicted with AI agents.
- https://www.medallia.com/our-top-8-predictions-for-customer-experience-trends-in-2025/ – The article discusses predictive problem-solving and intelligent loyalty programs, which are part of the broader trend of integrating AI to enhance user experiences.
- https://lucidworks.com/post/50-customer-experience-trends-2025/ – This source emphasizes the importance of AI in reading emotional cues and aiding in social contexts, aligning with the predicted ability to read emotional cues from faces.
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/28/23873642/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-orion-mixed-reality – This article covers Meta’s developments in context-aware AI integrated into Ray-Ban glasses and the Orion mixed reality prototype, which is relevant to the tech giants’ efforts in augmented reality.
- https://www.androidauthority.com/google-android-xr-1235411/ – This source discusses Google’s Android XR, an AI-driven operating system for augmenting reality, which aligns with the collaborative efforts of tech companies in this space.
- https://www.wired.com/story/google-samsung-ar-headsets-glasses/ – This article mentions the collaboration between Google and Samsung to launch new AR headsets and glasses, highlighting the competitive landscape in augmented reality technology.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/10/17/the-ethics-of-ai-and-its-impact-on-society/?sh=6e5c5e6d6f3e – This source discusses the ethical considerations and potential dangers of AI technologies, including the need for responsible use and consumer protection, as highlighted by experts like Louis Rosenberg.
- https://www.fastcompany.com/90782141/ai-ethics-regulation-louis-rosenberg – This article features Louis Rosenberg’s views on the ethical use of AI and the need for a subscription-based business model to mitigate potential abuses, aligning with the ethical considerations mentioned.
