What is the Humane AI Pin?
- Tech Box
- Nov 12, 2023
- 2 min read
Kinda feels like the Netflix show "Black Mirror" is speeding toward us at breakneck speed these days.
The "Humane AI Pin" is a recently unveiled wearable device, priced at $699 with a $24 monthly subscription for cellular connectivity and other services. Here's an in-depth review based on various sources:
Design and Build
Physical Characteristics: The AI Pin is lightweight, with aluminum finishes and a unique matchbook shape with an extra thick wedge on one side. It's designed to be unobtrusive when pinned to clothing, although its magnetic back may not be strong enough for all fabrics, necessitating additional accessories for different clothing types.
Internal Components: It features a 13MP ultra-wide camera, a 3D depth sensor, an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, GPS, and is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. It includes 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, LTE (via eSIM), and a battery that can be extended with a Battery Booster.
The Humane AI Pin User Interface and Interaction
Laser Ink Display: A unique feature is its "Laser Ink Display" which projects a green user interface on the palm of your hand, navigated through hand gestures like tilting and rotating. This display replaces the traditional screen, which has been a point of contention among reviewers.
Indicator Lights and Controls: There are two indicator lights – a "Beacon" for incoming calls and notifications, and a "Trust Light" indicating if the microphone or camera is active. The device is activated by tapping and holding a touchpad, with additional gestures for various controls.
Functionality and Services
AI Experiences Over Apps: Humane emphasizes AI experiences rather than traditional apps, with services from partners like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Slack, and Tidal.
Versatile Usage: The Ai Pin offers a range of functionalities, including summarizing messages and calls, streaming music, and providing a personal AI DJ. It also has health tracking features, messaging capabilities with AI-crafted messages, translation services, and camera functionality.
User Feedback and Concerns
Lack of Screen: A major criticism is its lack of a screen, which, according to some reviewers, makes certain tasks more difficult. The push to replace smartphone screens with AI-driven interfaces is seen as a bit premature.
Potential Use Cases: Some find it suitable for outdoor fitness activities like running, where its hands-free operation for photos, videos, and note-taking could be beneficial. Its quick access to recording features also adds a safety element.
Limitations in Compatibility: The lack of app support limits its use with various services, affecting its versatility as an entertainment device.
Future Prospects and Considerations
Evolution and SDK: The AI Pin’s capabilities are expected to improve over time, with a public SDK planned to allow further development of AI experiences.
Subscription Requirement: A mandatory $24 monthly subscription is needed for cellular service and AI features, which might be a deterrent for some users. The concern is that the device could become non-functional without an active subscription.
Conclusion
The Humane AI Pin represents an ambitious step towards integrating AI into daily life, offering a range of innovative features and interactions. However, its departure from traditional screens and reliance on a subscription model, along with limited app support, present challenges for widespread adoption. Its potential in specific scenarios like fitness and outdoor activities is notable, but whether it can fully replace a smartphone or become a mainstream device remains to be seen.
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