People yearn for the era when technology did not dominate our lives. Our gadgets serve as our primary means of connecting with friends and family, accessing information, scheduling appointments, shopping for groceries, and enjoying music. However, our overreliance on smartphones is a cause for concern.
Humane’s AI Pin aims to address this issue. Developed by former Apple executives Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, with the backing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the AI Pin seeks to usher in an era free from smartphone dependency.
Priced at an attractive $699, the AI Pin is set to launch in April. Prior to its official release, Bongiorno, also the CEO of Humane, personally demonstrated the capabilities of the AI Pin at SXSW, dispelling any doubts about the device and the company’s objectives.
Revisiting Humane’s AI Pin
Credit: Chance Townsend / Mashable
Given the price tag of the AI Pin, I anticipated a mind-blowing experience. While Bongiorno’s demonstration didn’t quite reach that level, I was nonetheless impressed by its functionality.
The AI Pin essentially functions as a wearable AI assistant that attaches to your clothing like a boutonnière. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it can answer queries, play music, make calls, send texts, and even capture photos or videos. As you interact with it and share more about yourself, it learns and adapts to cater to your specific needs. Drawing parallels to the Rabbit R1, which utilizes a Large Action Model (LAM) for app interactions, the AI Pin operates independently without the need for a screen. For adjustments, a sophisticated light display transforms your hand into a virtual “screen”.
Humane emphasizes that the AI Pin is not a smartphone companion or a mere ChatGPT device pinned to your attire. Equipped with its own SIM card for cellular connectivity, the pin processes commands internally using its proprietary AI framework, powered by GPT-4. Interaction can be initiated through voice, touch, or gesture commands, with voice activation requiring a press-and-hold gesture. Swiping on the button simulates a mechanical scroll wheel for volume adjustments.
While the hand-held light projection is efficient for displaying brief text and information, prolonged use may lead to overheating. The device aims to provide a screen-free user experience.
Humane’s determination to reduce smartphone usage is evident.
Credit: Chance Townsend / Mashable
Interaction with the AI Pin primarily relies on voice commands, facilitated by well-engineered speakers that deliver clear audio even in noisy environments. Bongiorno noted seamless communication with a colleague in a bustling airport setting. Additionally, users can connect the AI Pin to AirPods or Bluetooth headsets for private listening without the need for conspicuous Bluetooth earpieces.
Due to most AI processing occurring off-device, there may be a slight delay in responses to queries. For instance, when asked about the name of a local coffee shop, the AI Pin took 10 to 15 minutes to provide the answer, emphasizing the aim to reduce reliance on smartphones.
Privacy concerns regarding recording capabilities are addressed by prominent indicator lights that signal when the device is active or recording. Any attempt to obstruct the LED prompts an immediate halt in recording, ensuring user privacy.
The camera’s ability to accurately identify and describe objects is commendable, with the option to customize the tone of outgoing messages. The AI Pin supports real-time language translation for over 50 languages, demonstrated with Mandarin and Spanish translations. While the device’s microphone sensitivity may vary, it adapts responses based on the language being spoken, projecting translations onto the hand when needed.
Although further hands-on testing is warranted, the AI Pin showcases promising applications in the realm of wearable technology. Despite its potential, the device is not yet the transformative innovation envisioned by Humane.
While the AI Pin offers unique features, such as independence from smartphones, its current functionalities can be replicated by existing smartphone capabilities without the added cost.
