Future of Computing: From Screens to Audio Interfaces

Introduction

• Personal anecdote: Observation of people glued to phones.
• Realization: Everyone could benefit from less screen time.

Professional Background

• Funded deep tech at ARPA-E.
• Google X: Developed moonshot projects.
• Founded iyo: Focus on creating new tech.

Need for New Computing Paradigm

• Desire for natural interaction with computers.
• Vision of a computer that speaks human language.
• Key challenge: Computers need to handle genuine conversations rather than robotic commands.

Introduction to Audio Computers

• Prototype reveal: Secret development for six years.
• Design: Audio computers without screens.
• Goal: Replace some tasks of visual computers with audio.

Audio-Based User Interface (AUI)

• Natural language input: Conversations instead of commands.
• Output: Use “auditory space” instead of visual displays.
• Features: Ear-wearable device ensuring convenience and privacy.

Demonstration of Audio Interaction

• Interactive example: Conversation between Jason and Q (voice assistant).
• Natural conversation: Compared to structured voice commands.
• Concept: Second-person neuroscience & collective thinking.

Neuroscience of Natural Language

• Second-person neuroscience: Human collective thinking with conversations.
• Efficiency: Spoken language is efficient and emotionally rich.
• Application: Computers with natural language understanding.

Applications and Benefits

• Email: Conversational briefings instead of typing.
• Search: Natural queries instead of structured inputs.
• App integration: All major apps could be redesigned for voice interaction.
• Contextual understanding: Audio assistants build personal context.

Hands-Free and Heads-Up Goal

• Reduction of screen time: Improve real-world interactions.
• Privacy & convenience: Designed for daily wear.
• Enhanced hearing: Mixed-reality audio experience.

Mixed Audio Reality

• Concept: Like Apple Vision Pro but for audio.
• Psychoacoustics: Virtual auditory spaces for high-fidelity sound.
• Demonstration: Enhancing specific sounds in noisy environments.

Breadth of Audio Computing

• Software-driven: Various audio transformations by software.
• Developer potential: Infinite possibilities for audio apps.
• Examples: Educational apps, fitness coaches, relaxation soundscapes.

Vision for the Future

• Intuitive computing: Natural user experience without attention monetization.
• Language: Computers that speak the user’s language.

Conclusion

• Introduction of the world's first audio computer.
• Goal to create a computing experience that aligns with human communication.
• Call for a new era where machines interface with humans naturally.

Note: Applause and audience engagement indicated the positive reception.