The credibility of being told that you are living in a sci-fi film is higher than being made to believe that humanity now has access to a wearable smartphone. 2023 has been a controversial yet impressive year for the world of technology, mostly AI. If a word search were to be conducted, at least 6 out of every 10 words we have spoken were either directly or indirectly about AI. Ironically, AI has become the problem and the solution—and despite the obvious caveats that AI is a shareholder of, humans are well on their way to making AI an elixir. Humane’s launching of the AI Pin, as a smartphone alternative, could be positioned as a defining juncture in AI’s journey towards world domination.
Humane, co-founded by former Apple Inc. design and engineering team members Imran Chaudhru and his spouse Bethany Bongiorno, has officially launched its anticipated AI Pin; a move that marks their first step towards being a part and parcel of AI hardware. Priced at $699 with a $24-a-month subscription, the device can magnetically attach to clothing and includes unlimited data and phone calls. Humane has secured partnerships with T-Mobile for phone services and collaborated with Microsoft Corp. and Open AI for AI technology. According to news outlets, the AI pin is available for orders now and will start shipping in early 2024.
It’s not your heart that you wear on your sleeve anymore; it’s an AI Pin
The first time the general public was given a glimpse into the gadget’s overall functionality was during the TED2023 which was held in Vancouver, Canada. This device, which is a finger-sized device, features cameras for scanning and environmental awareness, hidden sensors for activation, and built-in speakers. In a demonstration led by co-founder Chaudhri, the pin exhibited its skills by allowing him to answer a call from his wife, Bethany, with a mere verbal command. He brought to everyone’s attention that the AI Pin does not require pairing with a smartphone or other electronics; wearing or attaching it to clothing is sufficient for it to be brought to life. According to what Chaudhri hinted at, this could be the predecessor of a long line of other similar devices.
The device is powered by a Snapdragon processor. Weighing around 34 grams, the device includes a ‘battery booster’ that adds an additional 29 grams. Equipped with a 13-megapixel camera for photos and future video capabilities after a software update, the device will not be recording at a stretch and does not have a wake word mechanism as an inbuilt feature (a concern that most new gadgets have not addressed adequately). Activation occurs through manual tapping and dragging on the touchpad, accompanied by a ‘Trust Light’ indicating data collection (a feature that was also found in Ray-Ban Meta glasses). The pin connects to AI models, including ChatGPT, through Humane’s AI Mic software, with the operating system named Cosmos designed for automatic routing of queries to the appropriate tools without the need for managing apps. Purportedly, the device is big on privacy with a dedicated privacy chip and a shutdown mechanism if compromised, requiring professional service from Humane to revive it again.
At the core of the device is voice control, representing a progression from smartphone assistants like Siri. The pin utilises ‘personic speakers’ or pairs with Bluetooth headphones for communication with the wearer. While there is no traditional screen, the device incorporates a touchpad and responds to gestures. The AI Pin is designed in a way that it can function as a separate entity that is not tethered to a smartphone. This is made possible because of Humane’s proprietary wireless network built on top of T-Mobile. However, the main highlight of the product that makes us feel like we are living in an episode of Black Mirror is its Laser Ink Display; a visually alluring component which projects text such as incoming calls onto the user’s palm. An upgrade that entirely forfeits the dependence on a traditional touchscreen.
Additionally, Humane showcased the AI Pin’s real-time translation feature and demonstrated its capability to recognise food items to determine their fitness compatibility. The current list of features is described as somewhat limited, but Humane promises future updates will expand its capabilities. Tidal, a music streaming service, is announced as the first software partner, collaborating for an ‘AI-driven music experience’. The collaboration aims to provide the fans with a better music engagement that permits them to use the AI Pin to play context-based music and discover Tidal tracks.
So what now?
A question that Humane does not seem to have answered all too well. Yes, the device is a breakthrough, and yes, the device may (or may not) make smartphones obsolete. Yes, it is a gadget that is not intrusive and right on the nose yet is rather quite unnoticeable and highly functional. Yes, it does look like a brooch (which is yet to be given a nod of approval by the fashion police). But, what now? In terms of pricing, it is hardly a steal considering how hefty of a price tag it is; not to forget the monthly subscriptions that will put a dent in the users’ wallets.
On top of all that, the face reveal of Humane’s brainchild was a long time coming. Teaser after teaser created hype that was unprecedented and had everyone on the edge of their seats. But the revelation did not give people the insight that they were hoping for. We know that the device is small with large potential. While more precise detailing was shared with the public, it is still hazy as to how it will transfer to the general consumer. And with the advent of the AI Pin, will smartphones be tossed out of the window, entirely? Will the new gadget actually be a smartphone killer?
In addition to the stockpile of questions, it is also important to remember that Humane is an AI startup that is only 5 years old. While you can’t hold it against them for wanting to ride the AI wave, not even companies with a supposedly ‘steel’ grip on AI have it all figured out. Therefore, it is always advisable to approach new AI-based technology with caution. However, while it may have its flaws, the device has potential. It is not always eavesdropping, it reduces screen time, and it decreases the tension that a human has between themselves and the smartphone. Perhaps, this could usher in a new way to deal with technology and it could be exciting to see how it unfolds.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)