After months of anticipation, San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company Humane officially introduced its inaugural product: the $1,000 AI Pin, a compact digital personal assistant without a traditional screen.
This small, square-shaped device, designed to be pinned onto clothing using a magnet, employs a camera and sensors to analyze the user's surroundings for context-based responses, such as offering shopping suggestions in a new city. While primarily voice-activated, it features a miniature projector for projecting laser icons and text onto the user's palm.
The AI Pin utilizes large language AI models developed by Microsoft and OpenAI, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ultrawide camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Set to run on T-Mobile's network, the device is priced at $699 (AU$1100), with an additional $24 per month for a data subscription and cloud storage, and will be available for purchase starting November 16.
This is the Humane Ai Pin https://t.co/ytUSGF3y55 pic.twitter.com/Zrcoaf49u7
— Humane (@Humane) November 9, 2023
Humane, established in 2019 by former Apple executives Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, known for their contributions to iconic Apple products, aims to create a minimalistic device that breaks the modern addiction to screens. The AI Pin, according to the founders, reflects their vision of integrating AI seamlessly into daily life, enhancing capabilities without overshadowing human interactions.
Privacy concerns have been raised regarding the device's camera, potentially recording individuals without their knowledge. To address this, Humane implemented a Trust Light to indicate when the device is in use, and the microphone is not continuously active, requiring manual activation of Humane's system instead of constant listening for wake words.
Before the official launch, Humane had teased the device through a high-profile campaign, with supermodel Naomi Campbell wearing the pin at Paris Fashion Week. The company's investors include Tiger Global Management, Kindred Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Despite generating significant attention, Humane faces challenges in the competitive wearable tech market. Wearable computing, particularly virtual reality headsets, has been a challenging market for tech companies, with examples like Google Glass facing public backlash due to privacy concerns. Apple, Humane's notable competitor in wearables, recently unveiled the Reality Pro mixed reality headset.
While Humane's AI Pin has created a buzz, the company hints at broader innovations, with co-founders Chaudhri and Bongiorno stating, "For us, AI Pin is just the beginning."
