A police officer stationed near Humane’s downtown offices in San Francisco has been intrigued by a peculiar sight for months. Employees exiting the building have been wearing small, circular devices on their chests, reminiscent of the officer’s larger, department-issued body-worn camera. During WIRED’s visit to the company, the officer expressed curiosity about these devices.
The mystery surrounding Humane’s device has now been unveiled. Humane aims for its high-tech system, which can be affixed to clothing, to be as popular among civilians as mobile earbuds or smartwatches.
The AI Pin from Humane features a digital assistant comparable to ChatGPT, capable of taking photos, sending messages, and projecting visual interfaces onto people’s palms using lasers. Its purpose is to reduce dependence on smartphones by providing constant communication and web browsing capabilities.
Launching on November 16 in the US, the Ai Pin will be priced at \(699 plus a \)24 monthly fee for T-Mobile’s unlimited calling, texting, and data plan. At a TED conference and a Paris fashion show earlier this year, Humane unveiled the device’s design and core functions, including internet search and object identification. The company also disclosed new details about the Pin’s functionality, such as how a light inside the device transforms users’ hands into screens today, along with pricing and availability. Delivery orders will commence in early 2024.
The Pin, one of the first portable devices featuring AI services akin to ChatGPT used by over 100 million users weekly, is expected to debut in the near future. Renowned Apple designer Jony Ive is reportedly involved in the project.
The social acceptance and longevity of these devices remain a critical question. While members of a Discord group created by Humane’s enthusiasts are eager to acquire their Pins, experts in cutting-edge smart hardware view the Pin more as a tech enthusiast’s novelty than a groundbreaking personal technology advancement.
Moreover, it is premature to ascertain whether Humane’s claim that the Pin will enhance users’ presence in the moment will materialize or merely contribute to an unhealthy obsession with technology.
Continual Associate
Bethany Bongiorno, CEO of Humane, is confident in the widespread appeal of the Pin, referring to it as the world’s primary cultural computer. She emphasizes that AI has piqued universal interest, promising to revolutionize lives. The device offers a unique opportunity to carry this technology everywhere. Based on feedback received, it resonates with individuals from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and across the globe.
Having previously worked on hardware design and software engineering at Apple, Bongiorno, along with her father Imran Chaudhri, founded Humane in 2018. Their vision was to create a standalone device that connects directly to cellular networks, clearly indicates when it’s recording, and doesn’t constantly listen for wake-up commands like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” This approach has shaped the company’s current trajectory.
In contrast to past wearable technologies like smart glasses and AR headsets, which were perceived as barriers to interpersonal communication, the Pin is designed to be minimally intrusive yet highly functional—an accessory that can be worn throughout the day without disrupting personal style. Chaudhri, the company’s president, states, “We aim to have a powerful tool with us at all times, enabling access to information and knowledge seamlessly, allowing us to stay engaged.”
With \(230 million in funding, including a reported \)100 million announced in March, Humane has garnered support from notable investors like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, among others. The company envisions a seamless user experience, with additional services like music streaming and contact synchronization available through the Humane platform.
Essential Wearable
The design of Humane’s device, resembling a brooch or small packet, is distinctive due to its single-piece metal construction, making it conspicuous from a distance. The Pin is secured to clothing using a magnetic power pod, weighing approximately 55 grams, or 2 ounces. Additional accessories, like a clip for thicker clothing or a magnetic attachment for shiny surfaces, enhance its versatility.
During WIRED’s visit to Humane, detailed photography was restricted, but key features were demonstrated. Chaudhri attests to the Pin’s durability, having worn it daily for over a year, even during physical activities like biking. Drop tests and stability checks have validated its robustness.
Available in three color options, the Pin’s sleek design can be further customized with optional “shields,” providing both style and protection. The device’s top section houses an array of features, including ultrawide cameras, light and depth sensors, and a projector for displaying images and text on users’ hands.
In contrast to Google’s past venture with Google Clips, Humane’s Pin incorporates a discreet indicator light that signals when the camera is active, prioritizing user privacy and preventing covert recording.
Lens with a Camcorder
Controlling the Pin is intuitive, with taps, gestures, and voice commands enabling users to interact seamlessly. The device’s touchpad allows for easy photo and video capture, while a unique light projection feature, termed the Laser Ink Display, projects images and text onto the user’s hands.
The AI assistant, Ai Mic, powered by advanced language models including those from OpenAI, offers a wide range of functionalities, from answering queries to playing music. Humane plans to expand its capabilities to include transportation and shopping features, inviting developers to create innovative applications for the platform.
Despite running on Google’s Android OS, the Pin’s unique features and modifications ensure a distinct user experience. The device supports Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, Wi-Fi, and international roaming, with additional services like internet searches and media storage offered at no extra cost.
Humane’s emphasis on user privacy and data security is reflected in the Pin’s design, ensuring that user data is not utilized for AI training purposes. The device’s battery life, though unspecified, comes with a spare battery and a portable charging case for extended usage.
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While Humane’s privacy-centric approach sets it apart from other smart devices, industry experts like Mark Lucovsky express skepticism about the Pin’s widespread adoption. Lucovsky highlights the challenge of creating a design that balances portability and functionality to appeal to a broader audience.
Acknowledging the ethical implications of AI technology, Humane’s founders anticipate new challenges and do not view the Pin as a complete replacement for smartphones. They emphasize the need to balance technological advancements with ethical considerations and societal impacts.
As Humane continues to innovate, collaborating with industry leaders like Volvo and LG to explore new applications for the Pin, the future of AI-first devices remains a subject of ongoing exploration and development.
