The future of tech is a lonely one, and frankly, we're for it.

For those who delight in methodically cutting human interactions from day-to-day tasks, 2017 promises more where that came from. Introverts, this is your time.

1. For your morning coffee: The Starbucks app

The Starbucks app in use. Image: starbucks

Though the Starbucks app already lets users order and pay for drinks without waiting in line, the coffee chain will soon add a new AI voice-command feature called "My Starbucks Barista." Rather than swiping through a menu and selecting an order, users will be able to place orders via voice command or messaging.

Basically, it's the social interaction of talking to a barista without having to actually talk to a barista.

2. For your moviegoing experience: Apple eyes new releases

An Apple TV streaming box. Image: eric risberg/AP

For those who love movies but hate screaming teenagers who kick the backs of bacteria-infested seats, Apple hears you.

In December, Bloomberg reported that executives from the tech company have lobbied studios in Hollywood for access to new releases. Consider the higher rental fee a small price to pay for just staying home.

3. For your cab ride home: Self-driving cars

An Uber driverless car. Image: Eric risberg/AP photo

Yes, technically there are drivers manning the front seat in Uber's brand new fleet of self-driving cars. And yes, the California DMV immediately cracked down on the company for operating self-driving vehicles in San Francisco without a permit.

But considering that relentless Uber — after being told to cease operations in California — is moving the entire program to Arizona, we've still inched just a little bit closer to a potential future of taxis without drivers.

4. For dining out: A restaurant with no cashiers and no waiters

Image: rex features/AP photo

At Eatsa, there's no need for human interaction. Customers just walk in, enter orders with a robotic cashier and wait for food to appear in the cubbies lining the restaurant wall.

The chain began in San Francisco (obviously) and has since expanded to New York. And though the chain staffs actual humans to cook the food and help people place orders should they need assistance, efficient, interaction-free dining is the goal here. It's like Seamless, but for people who feel like going outside.

5. For shopping: Amazon Go

Amazon Go wants to make IRL shopping an infinitely simpler operation. In December, the company announced a wild new shopping experience that lets buyers walk into a store, grab what they need and walk out. That means no waiting in lines and no arguing about whether bananas are or are not on sale today.

The company's first Amazon Go store is currently only open to employees, though it's expected to open to the public in 2017.

6. For companionship: Talk to a small hologram stuck in a jar

Amazon has Alexa. Google has Google Home. Gatebox Labs has...this little hologram of a woman trapped inside a jar. The Japanese company sells a tiny digital assistant named Azuma Hikari, who gives off strong Her vibes. She'll tell you the weather, text you flirtatious messages while you're at work and turn on the lights before you get home. Whether she's cute or creepy is for you to decide.







