From Screens to Immersion: How We Will Interact with Tech Tomorrow

The very way we have come to use technology is about to experience a vast shift. We’re entering an era that goes beyond the flat screens of our phones and computers to allow technology to take command of a full range of our senses, in real time, thanks to artificial intelligence. The innovative Ark Augmented Reality Kiosk, which delivers incredible augmented reality experiences without the need for expensive headsets, is another example of how this trend is gaining significant ground. It’s an exhilarating time, with tech titans like Amazon, Meta, and Google unveiling new AI capabilities as well as extended reality (XR) features that swear we are about to transform how we live our everyday lives.

It’s getting harder and harder to see the line between the physical world and what’s digital. And AI is accelerating that trend. Our ability to create virtual content is also increasingly easy, from virtual objects in games to a virtual version of yourself at scale. Imagine A.I.-powered tools that allow you to create entire virtual worlds simply by describing them. By combining AI and cutting-edge immersive tech like augmented reality and virtual reality, a new world of creative potential is unlocked. It is revolutionizing everything from employee training to healthcare, where VR can be used in managing chronic pain.

But that immersion has come with new challenges. Working in virtual reality, the brain often reacts as if experiences are real—great for simulation but making harms like virtual harassment feel real. Adding AI increases complexity and risk, enabling sophisticated digital manipulation that deepens ethical and safety concerns.

The Blurring Boundaries of Reality

New announcements from tech’s biggest companies prove that the race to dominate telepresence in 3D environments has only just begun.

• Amazon is incorporating AI into its smart glasses, Alexa voice assistant, and home automation products.

• Meta is still adding new AI and extended reality (XR) features to the social network's metaverse.

• Google is integrating powerful Google AI on-device with the newest line of Pixel phones.

These advancements portend a future in which our devices are not mere tools, but responsive, personal companions who can help us make sense of reality. And when you add a dose of generative AI’s creative power to the mix, you end up with something that smacks of a world where there is no line separating the virtual and physical. Could AI one day create wacky futuristic ideas like the Apple Teleport or a personal Time Machine, only real(ish)? Only time will tell. What is for sure is that the road ahead is crushing it, and we are only getting started.

Charting a Safer Path Forward

If we are to enjoy the benefits of a technology that can communicate with human brains, clear rules and safeguards must be set. We cannot repeat the regulatory mistakes made decades ago with television and radio.

Indeed, policymakers should act now to enact strong privacy laws that protect our data. Users must have a say on what’s collected and how it’s used. Agencies like the U.S. FTC can define “unfair and deceptive” AI practices, drawing a clear ethical line.

Companies also have a responsibility. They should collaborate with experts to develop best practices for handling user data, regulating advertising, and creating AI-generated experiences that prioritize user safety over engagement at any cost.

Your Role in the Immersive Future

Artificial Intelligence and immersive technology are merging to transform the way we experience the world and each other. The promise is amazing; so are the dangers. As we navigate this new age, we must understand what data is collected and the potential harms.

We can ensure these powerful tools serve us by demanding transparency, stronger privacy protections, and education. The choices we make today will shape safer, more ethical digital lives and an immersive future.