Each of these technologies represents part of a larger trend toward computers that detect our emotions. Our computers will do it. Our phones will do it. We'll be monitored at all times for how we feel.

The payoff could be something that feels like empathy from the machines in our lives.

For example, the virtual assistant from or the Google version, (which may be announced next week), will become increasingly "human" by developing the ability to detect emotion.

Real human assistants interact with you differently if you're in a good mood or a bad one. They lend an ear when you want to vent, and share your happiness when you get good news. Similarly, virtual assistants will be improved to the point where they can emulate empathy.