Humane’s screenless portable device is impressive, but the value of displays cannot be overstated.
Last year, Humane introduced the Artificial Pin as a camera-free alternative to traditional phones. This device operates via voice commands, with a small screen displaying features such as media controls and incoming calls on the back of your hand. The concept aims to free you from the constant distractions of electronic devices, allowing you to navigate the world more freely. Using the Artificial Pin offers a unique experience, transcending the confines of conventional windows.
The idea is intriguing, but the importance of screens should not be underestimated. It may not be time to completely abandon them just yet.
Humane’s emphasis on the screenless nature of their product is evident in their approach—CEO Imran Chaudhri highlighted this aspect in a recent TED talk. According to Humane, screens act as barriers between individuals and the outside world. Chaudhri believes that the Artificial Pin provides the ability to “access information while staying present in your surroundings, striking a balance that has been lacking for some time.” This perspective resonates with many, as some studies suggest a correlation between excessive screen time and feelings of sadness. While the debate continues, Chaudhri taps into a common concern that we are overly reliant on our mobile screens, evident in the array of products designed in response to this issue.
However, even if a screenless future holds promise, the present still requires screens. Screens offer convenience when you need to quickly glance at a large amount of information or check the weather forecast without relying on a voice assistant.
Screens also provide joy and practicality. For instance, if I receive a heartwarming video from my spouse while traveling, how would I view it on a screenless device like the AI Pin? How could I message my sister about recent events without broadcasting it to everyone nearby? While the push to live more in the moment is commendable, some moments are personal or simply enjoyable. I may not want to cherish my time at the DMV; instead, I might prefer to distract myself by playing Wordle on my smartphone to pass the time.
I crave more opportunities to savor life’s fleeting moments without a sleek device constantly in front of me. No further explanation needed! In fact, I yearn for a break from the incessant stream of notifications vying for my attention round the clock.
This is where Humane’s vision strikes a chord—it’s appealing to imagine being present in the moment rather than being tethered to our phones every few minutes. It sounds idyllic! However, for most of us, simply tossing our phones aside is not a practical solution. How can we remain connected and filter out the noise without completely disconnecting? It’s a challenging quest, and Humane is just one of many companies attempting to tackle this issue.
What sets Humane apart is their bold vision for the future. Chaudhri suggested in his TED talk that “to evolve our relationship with technology beyond screens, we need a fundamentally different approach.” For him, “radically different” seems to translate to a world without screens entirely. Yet, even in this vision, there is a reliance on screens to manage the AI Pin, access information, and view photos through a web interface—typically viewed on, you guessed it, screens. It’s a gradual transition towards this screenless future.
While I appreciate Humane’s insights and endorse a future where productivity takes precedence over app usage, the idea that we can reconnect with ourselves simply by discarding our handheld screens seems overly simplistic.
