- AI Pin challenges smartphones.
- No traditional screen.
- Humane’s unique vision.
A peculiar clip that attaches to clothing aims to challenge the dominance of smartphones despite its lack of a display.
AI Pin, developed by the Silicon Valley startup Humane, carries out commands like sending messages and obtaining updates through speech and touch rather than input.
Instead of displaying data on a visual screen, it utilizes a laser projection system to display monochromatic images and text on the user’s hand.
AI Pin features a virtual assistant powered by cloud computing capabilities from Microsoft and OpenAI, the company responsible for ChatGPT.
However, it comes at a cost; it retails for $699, and this doesn’t cover the monthly fee required for making phone calls.
The Vision of Humane
Humane, led by Bethany Bongiorno, the spouse of London-born former Apple employee Imran Chaudhri, whom they met while working on the iPad at Apple.
Similar to the screenless smartwatch, the pair does not believe in applications and aims to remove the daily burdens and constraints of smartphones and screens.
In a joint statement, they said, “AI Pin embodies our vision to integrate AI into the fabric of daily life, thereby enhancing our capabilities without compromising our humanity.”
“We are delighted to finally unveil the result of four years of work by the Humane team and ourselves.”
Privacy and Wake Words
AI Pin represents just the beginning for us.
AI Pin operates independently as a hardware component, eliminating the need to pair with a smartphone or other auxiliary device.
Weighing approximately one-fourth to one-third the weight of an average smartphone, the device weighs 54 grams and has a one-day battery life.
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AI Pin consists of two magnetic components—a computer and a battery pack—that fasten to the lapel of a shirt or garment.
The small device lacks a display and apps; instead, it “chooses the appropriate AI in the moment” based on the user’s intentions.
To activate the pin, individuals must place their hand on it while speaking a voice command. For instance, to get information, they could say, “Tell Andrew I’ll be there later.” To send a message, they could say, “Capture this” to take a picture.
Rather than focusing on a screen, people can extend their palms to view the laser display, which not only shows the time, date, and weather but also serves as a music control interface.
For example, users can switch between the previous and next track by gesturing left or right with their hand and confirming by tapping their thumb and forefinger together.
As Chaudhri explained, “There are no wake words.” Thus, unlike many smart speakers, AI Pin does not continuously record or listen.
