Computers of the future: evolution or elimination?
The evolution computers have undergone since the sixties has been mind-blowing. They have transformed from huge machines that occupied entire rooms, to miniaturised, portable devices with an infinitely superior calculation capacity.
The smartphones currently in use are considerably more powerful than the computers which permitted man to reach the moon. This demonstrates how the development of new technologies is an almost un-stoppable process, destined to replace the systems we know with other, increasingly advanced alternatives.
It follows then that, inevitably, the computer, as we now know it, will change drastically. Is it however, destined to disappear completely or merely take on a different form? What according to the experts, does the future hold as far as computers are concerned?
Computers and mobile devices: a hot debate
In the last few years, device portability has been one of the main points that manufacturers in that sector have focused on. In fact, the figures have revealed a considerable decline in the sales of personal computers (mainly desktops), in favour of an increase in the purchase of smartphones, tablets and notebooks.
The picture painted by this data is quite clear: man is unable to manage without smart technology and will try to take it with him whenever possible. This is why the future of computer development is destined to evolve, resulting in ever smaller devices, with an ever increasing calculation capacity.
Not only do users want to be able to use a computer anywhere, they also expect adequate speed when carrying out their desired operations. The challenge of meeting these demands is hard but, as shown by the progress made so far, completely achievable.
Having said that, it should be pointed out that, at a professional level (especially in those sectors which require a high calculation capacity and a certain ease of use), there is still a sizeable portion of users who prefer the traditional personal computer, viewing it as more reliable, less costly and of course, easier to keep updated.
What will the computers of the future be like?
Smartwatches have been on the market for some time now and they are gradually replacing tablets and laptops, which however, continue to register huge sales figures. Experts who have observed this evolution predict that, one day, computers will be so tiny that they will be simply implanted under the skin and operated via holograms (or even controlled using our minds).
Of course, such theories may belong to the realms of science fiction, but that is not so far from the truth if we consider the influence science fiction has already had on technological development. Smartphones for example, often appeared in popular films and TV shows back in the seventies, even though nobody at that time imagined that those fictional gadgets would one day exist and be part of our daily lives.
In conclusion, it is unthinkable to suggest that computers will die out in some way. Their form and the advanced capabilities that they will possess will of course change considerably over the next hundred years, that’s for sure. However, their presence will continue to play a fundamental role in human life, as they continue to assume even greater importance, until one day, they become a real symbiont.
Currently, forms of AI are already present inside toothbrushes and other routine items. There are voice assistants which answer questions and others that can advise users which gift to choose at Christmas. Each of these solutions is very different, but one day they could pave the way for technologies incorporating thinking algorithms, with their own consciousness.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
