The question of what the future will look like in terms of screens is still undecided. An alien visitor observing us today might perceive our ubiquitous smartphones as some sort of radiant rectangular extension of our bodies. Unbelievably, these devices have seemingly become an integral part of us within a span of just over 15 years, with an impressive 96 percent of individuals now owning one. More than just phones, these devices have morphed into digital multi-tools. They've become our primary messaging tools, web browsers, cameras, music players, gaming consoles, step counters, AI personal assistants and much more.

Login into the debate of what the future holds after smartphones, there are two primary predictions: one suggests more screens, potentially even on or very close to our faces in the form of mixed reality headsets; these devices could blend the real world with digital information overlaid onto our field of view. The other thought points towards fewer screens, leaning into smaller wearable devices and the concept of 'ambient computing.' This refers to the integration of technology into our daily routines in a virtually invisible, seamless manner.

The future is already hinting at exciting developments. Consider Humane's AI Pin, a device wearable on your clothing that projects calls, messages, and app information onto any surface, eliminating the need for a physical phone. Imagine asking this device about the weather or the directions to your favorite coffee shop. The ultimate goal of this technology is to redirect human presence more towards the real world.

Wearable glasses equipped with Alexa, such as Amazon's Echo Frames, can act as a personal assistant, answering questions and performing tasks on command. These devices are adding to the growing field of 'ambient computing', breaking down the reliance on physical screens. And what about cashierless stores like Amazon Go where customers simply scan their palm on entry, collect items, then leave. With implemented ambient computing, the items chosen are automatically added to the individual's account. There's no need for smartphones or manual payments.

However, there are tech experts who don’t see our future leaning towards more or fewer screens but propose a fusion of both. Situations, individual comfort with technology and financial capabilities will guide whether one leans towards ambient computing devices, headsets, or a mix of both. Regardless, it seems inevitable that smartphones and other current technologies will undergo a continued evolution.

Some experts still see screens as indispensable. The metaverse, a concept where the virtual world is merged with our physical world experienced predominantly through high-tech goggles, is gaining traction, backed by the likes of Meta and Nvidia. There’s also the potential for augmented reality glasses which could deliver personalized digital content, transforming regular screens into highly user-centric platforms.

It’s possible that we won't have a singular, defined digital evolution, but a myriad of paths influenced by individual preferences, barriers such as cost and availability, and rapid technology developments. As we already see varying adoption rates of operating systems across different regions, it’s plausible that the co-existence of ambient computing and mixed reality will occur, offering diverse personal experiences. However, change might not come as swiftly as we’d like. As much as we're fascinated by AI Pins and Vision Pros, smartphones may continue to dominate for a while, serving as the foundation of our digital experience.