Humane, a discreet company established by a remarkable team of former Apple employees, including co-founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, stands out as the primary business fully embracing the era of ChatGPT/AI technology. After years of gradually revealing previews and mission statements about its inaugural consumer products, the company has officially unveiled the “AI Pin” today.
Moreover, the CEO of OpenAI envisions a progression towards GPT-5 and the emergence of innovative consumer devices.
The AI Pin serves as a smart screen capable of basic functions such as sending text messages and emails, capturing photos with an ultrawide RGB camera, and responding to queries akin to ChatGPT’s capabilities. Notably, industry supporters like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Microsoft contribute to the backing of this venture, with OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI technologies powering the AI Pin.
Unlike conventional smart devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, the AI Pin is designed for everyday use. Despite its sleek, lightweight all-aluminum design, the gadget weighs approximately 55 grams (2 ounces) and requires a magnetic battery pack for secure attachment to clothing. Humane offers a separate clip-on accessory tailored for slimmer attire.
Imran Chaudhri emphasized the importance of consulting with a physician regarding potential electromagnetic interference, particularly for individuals with pacemakers. In an interview, Chaudhri shared his experience of seamlessly integrating the AI Pin into his daily routine, engaging in activities like walking, running, and jumping, with the device enduring a one-and-a-half-meter drop on various surfaces.
The standout feature of the AI Pin lies in its projection capabilities. By activating the device through physical touch, it projects a Laser Ink Display onto the user’s finger, enabling navigation through the Cosmos operating system by tilting or rolling the hand. Interaction with the projected screen involves using thumb and index finger gestures, with the option to return to the home screen by closing the palm.
Chaudhri’s demonstration at a TED Talk showcased the AI Pin’s ability to display guest IDs for incoming calls, identify products and their nutritional information, and summarize daily emails. Users can pose context-based queries such as, “What exhibit did Ava recommend I visit while I’m here?”
Furthermore, opportunities persist for developers to create AI models to enhance the AI Pin’s functionality.
The AI Pin prioritizes integration with various AI tools, such as third-party ChatGPT plugins, to facilitate seamless assistance throughout the day. The system autonomously selects the most suitable AI tool based on user prompts, eliminating the need for manual app selection and familiarization.
Equipped with a “Personic Speaker,” the AI Pin offers adjustable volume settings for group or personal audio experiences, along with Bluetooth headset connectivity. A “Trust Light” indicator flashes during data processing, a feature commonly found in AI-enabled devices.
The Humane Center website provides access to past queries, health data, stored files, captured images, and more.
Scheduled for release on November 16 at \(699, the AI Pin will be available in three color variants: black, black with silver accents, and white. Subscribers opting for the "Humane Subscription" at \)24 per month gain access to cellular data via T-Mobile, cloud storage for media, and unlimited voice assistant queries.
The success of the AI Pin hinges on real-world performance metrics, including its accuracy in low-light projection onto the palm, connectivity reliability in quiet environments, and performance in areas with weak signal reception.