The long-awaited Ai Pin from Humane has finally been released, drawing mixed reviews from tech experts.
Founded by Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, former Apple developers who are now married, Humane officially introduced Ai Pin, a standalone AI device that can be attached to clothing. Priced at \(699 with a \)24 monthly subscription fee, users can leverage the pin’s AI capabilities to monitor their macros, display text on their hands, and translate voice messages into multiple languages.
While some tech analysts praised Humane’s “Ai button” for its innovative approach, envisioning a potential shift in how people interact with technology, others raised concerns, particularly on X, a platform known for skepticism.
Casey Newton, the founder of the tech blog Platformer, shared his experience with Humane’s Ai pin on X, stating, “While it boasts some undoubtedly innovative features in its interface, I believe the concept of ‘AI hardware’ may reach a dead end.”
Prior to publication, Insider reached out to Humane for comment, but received no immediate response.
The design of the Ai Pin has sparked criticism among some enthusiasts. Avi Schiffmann, a self-proclaimed “wearable AI enthusiast,” pointed out issues with the pin’s placement causing clothing to sag, while suggesting that the protruding bolts and clips may be uncomfortable and visually prominent. Additionally, concerns were raised about the practicality of the hand-projected text feature, with former Apple designer Ben Kylak noting that the displayed text appeared unclear and the gestures required for control could be cumbersome.
Despite the skepticism, there are those who view Humane’s Ai Pin as a promising innovation that embodies the spirit of creativity. However, not everyone is convinced that it will revolutionize the tech industry or replace traditional smartphones.
In a world where AI advancements like Humane’s Ai Pin coexist with other innovative devices such as Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, only time will reveal the true impact of these technologies on the future of the tech landscape.
