Humane’s Ai Pin: Unconventional Proof of Concept Reviewed
In a world where smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, Humane aims to challenge this dependency with its Ai Pin. Created by former Apple executives Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, and backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the Ai Pin is a wearable device that utilizes AI and wearable computing to create a smartphone-less world.
First Impressions of Humane’s Ai Pin
During a recent demo at SXSW, Humane CEO Bethany Bongiorno showcased her personal Ai Pin, providing an opportunity to witness the device in action and understand its potential. While the demo didn’t completely blow my mind, I was impressed with its functionality.
The Ai Pin is essentially an AI assistant that attaches to your clothes like a boutonnière. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it can perform various tasks such as answering questions, playing music, making calls or sending texts, and even taking photos or videos. As you continue to use the Ai Pin and provide information about yourself, it learns your preferences and adapts to your specific needs.
Unlike other similar devices, like the Rabbit R1, which relies on a Large Action Model (LAM) to interact with different apps, the Ai Pin doesn’t have a screen for interaction. Instead, it features a unique laser projector that turns your palm into a “screen” for adjusting settings or entering a passcode. This screen-free experience is a key aspect of Humane’s vision to reduce smartphone usage.
Understanding the Ai Pin’s Capabilities
It’s important to note what the Ai Pin is not: it is not designed to be a companion to your smartphone, nor is it simply a ChatGPT pinned to your chest. Equipped with its own SIM card, the Ai Pin connects to mobile phone networks. It utilizes GPT-4 for its AI capabilities, but instead of relying on external servers for processing, the device manages inputs locally, providing immediate and context-aware responses.
Interaction with the Ai Pin can be initiated through voice, touch, or gesture commands. For voice commands, you simply press and hold the device, while waving your hand in front of it activates the laser projector for inputting a passcode. Swiping on the pin adjusts the volume, providing a tactile and intuitive experience.
During the demo, Bongiorno highlighted the device’s excellent speakers, which allow for clear conversations even in crowded environments. Additionally, the Ai Pin can be connected to AirPods or Bluetooth headphones for a more personalized audio experience.
While the Ai Pin’s off-device processing is impressive, it does result in slightly longer response times compared to a smartphone. However, this delay is intentional, as the goal is to encourage users to detach from their phones and embrace a screen-free experience.
A Closer Look at the Ai Pin’s Features
One notable feature of the Ai Pin is its ability to capture photos and short videos. Privacy is a top priority for Humane, and to ensure transparency, the device features indicator lights that clearly signal when it is activated or recording. Attempting to cover these indicators immediately stops any recording.
The Ai Pin’s camera stands out with its advanced scanning capabilities. It can provide detailed descriptions of objects in front of you, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired individuals. When sending messages, you can also specify the desired tone, allowing for personalized and expressive communication.
Furthermore, the Ai Pin offers real-time translation in over 50 languages. Bongiorno demonstrated this feature by translating Mandarin and Spanish during the demo. The device even projects translations onto your palm when necessary, providing a convenient way to communicate in loud environments.
The Future of Mobile Computing?
While I wasn’t able to test the Ai Pin extensively myself, the live demo provided valuable insights into its potential applications. It is clear that the device represents a late-stage proof of concept for the future of mobile computing.
However, it is important to note that the Ai Pin, in its current state, falls short of being the revolutionary device Humane envisions. At a price of $699, it offers similar functionalities to a smartphone without providing any significant advantages. For consumers, the Ai Pin’s appeal lies in its ability to detach from smartphone dependency, rather than offering groundbreaking new features.
In conclusion, the Ai Pin presents an unconventional approach to reducing smartphone usage and embracing a screen-free experience. While it may not be a world-changing device just yet, it serves as a promising proof of concept for the future of mobile computing, with the potential to transform our relationship with technology.