In a groundbreaking address at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon declared that artificial intelligence (AI) is paving the way for a seismic shift in human-tech interaction, dubbing it a 'generation change' that will fundamentally transform how users engage with their devices.

Amon outlined an evolution of human-computer interactions, tracing the journey from simple ASCII keyboards to the rise of graphical interfaces, the mouse, and the advent of touchscreens on mobile devices. He confidently proclaimed, “We are at the beginning of a very big transition in technology. AI is going to change a lot about how we interact with our computers.”

The CEO emphasized that the next major advancement lies in AI's ability to understand and process human language. With this capability, Amon believes interactions between users and computers will become more intuitive and streamlined. Instead of toggling between multiple applications for different tasks, users will rely on AI agents that comprehend context, facilitating seamless functionality across various domains.

“Currently, you navigate different apps for different purposes," he explained. "But once AI understands your intentions, it can operate freely across applications. It can access one app, then switch to another without you needing to intervene.”

Amon shared a practical example, envisioning a traveler capturing photos and videos on vacation. The AI agent could automatically categorize these moments, providing relevant suggestions for dining based on the traveler’s preferences—convenience delivered without the hassle of switching between multiple applications.

He outlined that the future of interaction will also be diverse in terms of input methods, indicating a blend of voice, audio, and text. “Every piece of text could become a prompt for the AI to assist you when needed," Amon remarked.

Beyond smartphones, Amon hinted at a broader reach of AI, scaling into automobiles and wearable tech, such as augmented reality (AR) glasses. Describing AR glasses as “wearable AI,” he provided the example of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which allow users to experience AI assistance directly linked to their real-world surroundings.

“Imagine this: what you see, the glasses also see; what you hear, the glasses hear,” Amon stated, hinting at a new age where AI assistance tailors itself to each individual’s context.

In discussing vehicles, Amon referred to them as “a new computing space.” He highlighted that this environment is particularly ideal for agent-based user experiences that utilize voice and visual interactions for a smoother driving experience.

“The car is now a new computing space, just as phones and laptops have been," he noted. "This type of interaction through AI is very natural when driving.”

Looking ahead, Amon predicted that the integration of AI as the new interface could be commonplace within just five years, further accelerated by advancements in edge computing. He defined “AI at the edge” as a model that provides significant advantages in speed, privacy, reliability, and reduced costs compared to traditional cloud-based solutions.

"When processing occurs directly on the device, it’s instantaneous,” he explained. “There’s no waiting, and it’s secure—your data remains your personal data.”

Amon reinforced Qualcomm's role in this technological evolution, stating that the company aims to ensure its chips facilitate these on-device experiences. The push toward an AI-driven future reflects Qualcomm’s rich 40-year history of leading technology transitions, from groundbreaking mobile communications to integrating crucial electronic components into everyday consumer devices.

“We view ourselves as a serious technology company,” asserted Amon. “We hold the largest number of patents in the U.S. and have laid down the foundation for many transformative technologies that people use every day, often without even realizing it.”

As AI continues to evolve, sustainable growth in technological innovation seems not just possible but inevitable. With industry leaders like Qualcomm at the forefront, the future of human interaction with technology looks incredibly promising. Will the AI revolution change your life in ways you never knew possible? Stay tuned!