Humane Unveils AI-led, Phone-Like Wearable ‘Ai Pin’

Silicon Valley startup Humane launched its ‘Ai Pin’ after months of demos, offering a glimpse into what could be the artificial intelligence- (AI) powered future of gadgets.

Ai Pin is designed for clothing with a virtual assistant powered by OpenAI’s technologies and Microsoft’s cloud capabilities. The device employs a laser projection system to show text and monochromatic images on the user’s hand.

Access to ChatGPT is one of Ai Pin’s essential features, according to the company.

Retailing for $699, the phone-like AI wearable comprises a square device and a magnetically attachable battery pack for clothes or surfaces. Additionally, users can obtain a Humane subscription for $24 per month, providing them with phone numbers and data through the T-Mobile network.

Preorders of Ai Pin will start on November 16, while shipping will begin in early 2024.

The device is powered by a Snapdragon processor that has yet to be identified and runs through voice control, camera, gestures, and a compact built-in projector. The Pin itself weighs around 34 grams, with an additional 20 grams for the “battery booster.”

Ai Pin is activated by manually tapping and dragging on the touchpad, making it different from the always-on recording feature of the Rewind Pendant. The Pin mainly aims to connect to AI models via Humane’s AI Mic software.

The device’s operating system, Cosmos, also automatically directs queries to the appropriate tools, eliminating the need for users to download and manage apps.

What May Be Next for AI Pin, Planned Upgrades

Humane aims to simplify technology interfaces with the Pin by removing unnecessary elements and streamlining the user experience.

In the past year, many functionalities have been introduced through text commands to chatbots, and Humane aims to create a gadget in the same manner.

However, Ai Pin’s true capabilities are the big question. Many of the device’s features have already been disclosed by Humane co-founder Irman during a demo at TED earlier this year.

The company intends to enhance the Pin with navigation and shopping features and empower developers to create their own tools.

Humane appears to see AI Pin as the start of a more significant project, which may be possible as main models improve. The company may also expect its device to transform in the same way as smartphones.