Humane AI Pin: Wearable Revolution with Voice Recognition

In a global debut on November 9th, 2023, Humane showcased its cutting-edge AI Pin, marking a significant leap in wearable technology. The device, revealed after a series of teasers throughout the year, was introduced by co-founder Imran Chaudhri during a captivating presentation and made a striking appearance at the Coperni SS24 show in Paris.

The AI Pin, a wearable projector affixed to clothing through magnets or a latch, boasts front-facing cameras and sensors that project app and smartphone functionalities onto the user’s palm and surrounding surfaces. Powered by optical sensors, it facilitates contextual and ambient compute interactions, unlocking the potential of sensing-based technology.

One of the standout features is the AI Pin’s role as a smart assistant utilizing advanced voice recognition. Functioning as a personal assistant, it can provide precise answers and execute tasks for the user. Integrated with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other software, the wearable AI responds to voice commands, handling functions like making calls, sending texts, and scheduling appointments. Concerned about privacy? The ‘Trust Light’ feature signals when the device’s sensors, microphone, and camera are active.

Standalone Wearable Smartphone Revolutionizes Interaction

Humane AI Pin operates as a standalone device, eliminating the need for external connections. Its functionality heavily relies on gestures, with users mastering specific movements to navigate the device seamlessly. For instance, users can request the device to play a specific album, projecting it onto their palm. Gestures such as tilting the hand left or right skip tracks, while a downward tilt with a ‘pinch’ gesture pauses or resumes, mimicking smartphone swipes.

The device goes beyond simple commands. Users can instruct the AI Pin to compose messages with a desired tone, and before sending, the device reads the text aloud, seeking user approval. The ‘Catch Me Up’ feature acts as a proactive assistant, summarizing pending tasks and activities. Need specific information? The AI Pin scans and provides instant answers, such as gate numbers or party locations.

Aesthetics and Design: A Nod to Apple’s Legacy

Examining the design, the first batch of AI Pins boasts an anodized aluminum housing in Lunar (white), Equinox (silver), and Eclipse (black). The device’s forward-stretched and slightly tilted head ensures optimal projection onto the user’s palm or eye level. Turning the device reveals a steel-like casing, reminiscent of Apple’s iconic iPhones, with a singular block of aluminum housing and a reflective surface.

The Apple connection runs deep with co-founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, both Apple alumni with extensive contributions to iconic products. Chaudhri’s over 20 years at Apple saw him play a key role in creating Mac, iPod, iPad, Apple Watch, and iPhone, while Bongiorno led teams as a Director of Software Engineering. This Apple-inspired design ethos is apparent, even down to the engraved brand name on the device.

As of the publication of this story, the Humane AI Pin is set to open pre-orders on November 16th, priced at $699 USD, ushering in a new era of wearable technology.