Humane has revealed a new Ai Pin, which can take photos, send texts, uses a laser to project a visual interface onto a person’s palm, and comes with a virtual assistant as intelligent as ChatGPT. The wearable Pin is supposed to squash dependency on smartphones and has been seen around town in San Francisco.
According to Ars Technica, the Ai Pin is “a bizarre cross between Google Glass and a pager” with “a creepy in-your-face camera.”
It weighs about 34g, with a “battery booster” adding 20g, and operates with a Snapdragon processor, which incorporates voice control, gestures, and a built in projector.
Unique to the device, is its subscription model, costing $24 USD a month. It provides users with a dedicated phone number, and data coverage.
The core functionality resolves around Ai Mic, which is software connecting to AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI. The operating system, Cosmos, directs user queries to relevant tools. It also deviates from constant recording or wake-word listening.
It can be activated through manual tapping, or dragging on the touchpad, which is accompanied by ‘Trust Light,’ which indicates data collection is in progress.
The company has assured consumers data won’t be used to train AI systems.
The Ai Pin’s main aim is to simplify user device interaction, removing complexities of traditional interfaces. It operates on a query-based system, where users can voice or touch commands. The Pin will then autonomously execute tasks.
Initial features include voice based messaging and calling, summarising email inboxes, nutritional information retrieval from the camera, and real time translation. The company has plans to expand the capabilities to include navigation and shopping.
An upcoming software update also enables a built in camera to capture 13 megapixel photos, as well as record videos.
Humane also has plans to inspire developers to create custom tools for the device. As models improve, the device is expected to undergo transformative enhancements.
Despite the innovative design, the device has received mixed reactions.
One reviewer from the New York Times, found it “equal parts magical and awkward.” Whereas some on social media are confused at what the device does, or why they would buy it.
So far, the device is scheduled to ship in the US in early 2024, and will be available for preorder beginning November 16th. It remains unclear if the pin will make it’s way to Australia.
