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WWDC on 9 June: What is (not) expected
by Samuel Buchmann
New hype gadget with AI: what it can do – and what it can’t
10-11-2023
Translation: Megan Cornish
Start-up Humane has received a lot of attention in the USA. But its first gadget – a kind of small smartphone with artificial intelligence and no screen – is a disappointment. Read on to find out why.
When two former Apple managers found a start-up, expectations are high. Humane has deliberately fuelled this in the last few months, with the founders putting themselves in the limelight. The company’s first gadget was briefly seen on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week in September.
What is the AI Pin?
The gadget is like a brooch the size of a matchbox. It has a built-in Snapdragon processor with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, as well as a 13-megapixel camera, microphone, speaker and laser projector. The AI Pin can connect to the outside world via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile signal.
The AI pin measures 4.5 by 4.7 centimetres and between 0.8 and 1.5 centimetres thick and weighs 34 grammes. The additional battery for longer running times weighs 20 grammes – this booster should power the gadget all day long. It’s available in three colours. Protective frames, clips and replacement batteries are available as accessories. Everything attaches to each other magnetically.
What can the gadget do with artificial intelligence?
The basic idea is that you wear the pin on your clothing and it offers access to various tools via artificial intelligence (AI). To achieve this, Humane works with Microsoft and OpenAI, among others.
The AI also has access to the camera. For example, it recognises food and meals and calculates their nutritional values, which makes it easier to stick to a dietary plan. Or you can view a product via the camera and find out the price online and order it directly. Retailers are particularly looking forward to this feature…
Humane has also mastered classic smartphone virtues such as calls, messages, notifications and music streaming. You can use the camera to take photos or videos in an action cam style. But you can’t see what you’re capturing without the display.
How do I use it?
There are several options. You can press the centre of the AI pin to give voice commands. This is reminiscent of the communicator badge from the Star Trek universe, which can be seen in the The Next Generation series.
The gadget also offers a kind of screen. The built-in laser projector can project text and graphics onto your hand. You operate the interface by tilting your hand and using finger gestures.
The hand screen is an alternative if you don’t want the AI Pin to speak to you loudly. In the first demo it doesn’t really look suitable for everyday use. You might be able to use it at home on the sofa, but not on public transport or when you’re walking somewhere.
How much does it cost?
Pre-sales start on 16 November – the first AI Pins are scheduled to be delivered in early 2024. However, it’s currently only available in the USA. The price is also pretty steep at 699 dollars. At least that includes a charging pad, an extra battery and a charging case for when you’re on the go.
In order to use the device, you’ll need an additional subscription costing 24 dollars per month. This includes the AI services, as well as a mobile phone plan from T-Mobile with your own phone number and unlimited data.
Why are many experts disappointed?
The price seems intimidating, primarily because of the additional monthly subscription. Especially because you don’t know what you’re getting for it.
The hardware was presented right down to the three available colours. Other information, however, is less definite. Google, Microsoft and Slack, for example, are named as partners. Their services can probably be integrated. What about WhatsApp, social media or even Apple applications like iMessage? Which sources can I integrate and control? Where does artificial intelligence have access and where does it not?
Instead of giving precise answers, the founders spent minutes showing how you can use AI to play music via Tidal. On mini speakers that create a «sound bubble» and are supposed to be «really loud». Not really an application that blows me away – and the sound quality is unlikely to impress.
So the lasting impression is that the AI Pin is part smartphone replacement, part smart speaker and part action cam. Are any great features still to come? I’m left confused. Why exactly should I spend so much money?
Don’t forget: in order for artificial intelligence to work properly, you have to share a lot of personal information and trust that the company will handle it responsibly.
After all, the AI Pin is supposed to protect your privacy to some degree. It doesn’t always listen in; it only activates the microphones when you press it. That should be the only time that videos or photos are recorded. An LED also shows when the microphone or camera is activated.
Who is behind Humane?
Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri are the brains behind the project. They both held senior positions at Apple for a long time and worked on the development of the iPhone and Apple Watch as well as iOS and macOS. They founded Humane in 2018.
The rest of the team also consists of experienced tech experts who were recruited from companies such as Pixar, Pinterest, Lyft, Facebook and Yelp. A surprising number have also switched from Apple to Humane.
The start-up needs significant financial resources. In March 2023, an additional 100 million dollars was acquired as part of a financing round, on top of a previous 130 million dollars. Investors include Qualcomm, Microsoft, LG, Volvo and OpenAI founder Sam Altman.
Header image: Humane
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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