The Future of AI Wearables: The Humane AI Pin is Finally Here

As someone deeply passionate about the intersection of practical tech, AI and travel, I’m thrilled about the launch of Humane’s Ai Pin, first demoed by ex-Apple team member, Imran Chaudhry, at the global TED Conference earlier this year. Set to transform wearables (and hopefully our over reliance on smartphones), this device, priced at $699 and available from November 16th (in the US), ushers in a new wave of consumer AI embedded tech with its innovative, screenless interface.

Why I’m Excited:

• The Ai Pin offers a natural way to interact with AI – think voice commands, touchpad, hand gestures, and a futuristic Laser Ink Display. It’s about making technology more intuitive and less intrusive.
• It seamlessly blends into our daily lives. Imagine AI-driven messaging that mimics your tone, music experiences tailored by TIDAL, and a gadget that breaks language barriers – this is the AI enabled future we’ve all been waiting for.
• With Cosmos, its new operating system, the Ai Pin is not just secure; it’s smart. It’s about a technology that understands you, not the other way around.
• Style meets function in its design. Available in three colors, the Ai Pin’s unique design and perpetual power system show how tech can be both chic and practical.
• Privacy isn’t an afterthought – it’s foundational (or at least so the founders claim). The device operates on your terms, safeguarding your personal space and data.

Humane’s collaborations with giants like Microsoft and OpenAI, and the integration with T-Mobile’s network, signal a paradigm shift in how we will use technology. Here’s what I could dig up regarding the key players and funding providers:

Investors in Series C Funding Round:

• Lead Investor: Kindred Ventures spearheaded the $100 million Series C funding round.
• Significant Participants: SK Networks, Microsoft, LG Technology Ventures, Volvo Cars Tech Fund, Top Tier Capital, Hudson Bay Capital, and Socium Ventures.
• Existing Investors: Tiger Global, Qualcomm Ventures, Valia Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, Lachy Groom, and Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI.

Strategic Technology Partners and Collaborators:

• Microsoft: Collaborating to bring Humane’s services platform to market, leveraging Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, particularly in AI.
• OpenAI: Integrating OpenAI’s technology into the Humane device to deliver AI experiences to consumers.
• SK Networks: Facilitating global expansion plans, particularly in ICT device distribution in Korea and leveraging their extensive global network.
• LG: Working on potential R&D projects for future Humane products, focusing on core technology and integration into the home technology space.
• Volvo Cars Tech Fund: Exploring collaboration opportunities to apply Humane’s offerings in the automotive industry, aligned with shared values of safety, trust, and privacy.

For those of us who live on the go, a $24/month subscription ensures uninterrupted, limitless AI service and connectivity. Here’s a Bloomberg Tech interview with CEO, Bethany Bongiorno:

I think the Ai Pin is more than a fun new device; it’s likely a glimpse into a future where technology enhances our lives without overshadowing our humanity.

Watch the full reveal video here: https://hu.ma.ne/

Summary – The Tech Specs

• Processor: The Ai Pin is powered by a Snapdragon® processor with a dedicated Qualcomm® AI Engine for fast and reliable AI interactions.
• Connectivity: It offers connectivity through Bluetooth for pairing with headphones and supports both VoLTE and 3G for voice communication.
• Colors Available: The device is available in three color options – Eclipse, Equinox, and Lunar.
• Design: The Ai Pin features an elegant, sleek design with a super matte black anodized high strength aluminum housing and touchpad made from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus​​.
• Size and Weight: It is compact and lightweight, weighing 34.2 grams, and is tailored for hand gestures​​.
• Camera: The Ai Pin includes a wide-angled optical sensor with a 13MP photo resolution, ultra-wide 120° FOV camera, and a focal distance ranging from 40 cm to infinity​​.
• Display: It features a Laser Ink Display that projects onto your palm with a 720p resolution, operating within a distance of 20 to 40 cm, and has a field of view of 22.4° diagonally​​.
• Trust Light and Beacon: The device includes a Trust Light with 3 RGB LEDs to indicate when it’s in use, and a Beacon feature with a single RGB LED for subtle notifications​​​​.
• Microphone and Speaker: Ai Pin is equipped with a dual microphone array and a personic speaker system that creates a personalized sound bubble. It supports VoLTE and 3G for audio calling​​.
• Touchpad and Gestures: The touchpad on the Ai Pin understands a range of finger gestures for various controls like Ai Mic input, music control, and volume adjustments​​.

Check out pictures and more details here.

Potential Downsides? The AI Pin vs Smartphones

I think the Humane AI Pin emerges as an interesting alternative to smartphones, albeit with its unique set of strengths and limitations. The AI Pin clearly shines in scenarios demanding hands-free operation and quick AI interactions. It’s tailor-made for those on the move, offering a feather-light, wearable design perfect for concise, voice-driven tasks. Its personalized AI capabilities, like real-time translation, position it as a futuristic companion.

However, its screenless nature and compact form factor might feel restrictive compared to the visual and interactive richness of smartphones. Those who enjoy consuming detailed content, engaging in complex digital tasks, or capturing high-quality photos might find smartphones more aligned with their needs. Additionally, the learning curve and potential privacy concerns with continuous AI interaction (despite the reassurances) are notable considerations.

In essence, the AI Pin will excel as a dynamic, AI-powered sidekick for the fast-paced, hands-free moments of life, while smartphones will likely remain the go-to for immersive digital experiences and complex functionalities.

What do you think? Would you get one?