Human evolution has always been about our tools, and computer technology is the most impactful tool humans have ever invented. Today, digital technology drives everything from PCs to mobile phones, from thermostats to automobiles. We search the Web for a wide variety of information, entertainment, and services. Rapidly growing computer power drives breakthrough technology such as Artificial Intelligence, with more to come.

That increasing power has created a resulting trend of connecting with computers using human language—“talking to computers”—with smartphone personal digital assistants leading this trend. This conversational connection to growing computer power will accelerate a human-computer partnership that impacts what it means to be human. This book examines the full impact of these trends, including computers essentially becoming workers supporting a growing population beyond retirement age.