Dave Coplin, Microsoft's chief envisioning officer, stated in an interview that the classic PC QWERTY keyboards use an "sub-optimal design" and will slowly be replaced by new voice and gesture technologies.
In a chat with the Evening Standard (via Neowin, Coplin, who also works on Microsoft Cortana team, is quoted as saying:
"We have these amazing computers that we essentially use like we're still Victorians. The Qwerty keyboard is a great example of an old design being brought forward to modern day. We've not really evolved. We still use this sub-optimal design. We're looking at technologies now like voice and gesture recognition, and facial tracking that may make the keyboard redundant."
He also stated his belief that AI bots will, in the future, allow users to cut back on manually shopping for items:
"We're going to see AI deliver these agents who will know who your family are, the things we like to do and places we like to stay, and on my behalf they will negotiate with all these providers and bring me back a little package for my perfect holiday."
Microsoft has certainly been at the forefront of new control technology for the PC, starting with the Kinect voice and gesture hardware that has produced mixed results. It's been more successful with its Cortana digital assistant, and has been pushing the use of AI bots in programs like Skype. Finally, it has developed the Microsoft HoloLens technology that offers a glimpse into how we may interact with PCs in the far future.
