Humane to Launch AI Pin, a Screenless Wearable Smartphone

Key Points:

A company that supports a world without smartphones, Humane, is preparing to release its initial product, the AI Pin, on Thursday.

– The AI Pin is a square wearable smartphone that clips onto clothes or surfaces.

– Priced at $699, the device does not have a screen and requires a $24-per-month Humane Subscription.

– The Pin runs on a Humane-branded version of T-Mobile’s network and offers access to AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI.

Introduction

Humane, a tech company that has been generating buzz around its vision of a post-smartphone world, is preparing to launch its inaugural device, the AI Pin. Although the official release is scheduled for Thursday, The Verge has obtained documents that reveal detailed information about the device ahead of its launch.

The AI Pin: A Wearable Smartphone

The AI Pin is a unique wearable smartphone that takes the form of a square device that can be magnetically clipped to clothing or other surfaces. Not just a clip, it also serves as a battery pack, allowing users to swap in new batteries throughout the day to keep the Pin functioning. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the device incorporates a camera, depth sensors, and motion sensors to track and record its surroundings. It also features a “personic speaker” and can connect to Bluetooth headphones.

Interacting with the Pin

Since the Pin does not have a screen, Humane has developed new ways for users to interact with the device. Primarily voice-based, the Pin also includes a green laser projector that can project information onto the user’s hand. Additionally, users can interact with the device through gestures by holding objects up to the camera, as there is a touchpad integrated into the device. It is worth noting that the Pin is not always recording or listening for a wake word; instead, users must manually activate it. To indicate when the Pin is recording, it includes a “Trust Light” that blinks.

The Humane Subscription

One of the key aspects of the Pin is the accompanying Humane Subscription. Priced at $24 per month, the subscription includes a phone number, cell data on Humane’s branded wireless service (which runs on T-Mobile’s network), cloud storage for photos and videos, and unlimited access to AI models. The specific AI models available through the subscription are yet to be disclosed.

The Cosmos Operating System

The Pin operates on Humane’s proprietary operating system called Cosmos. Unlike traditional app-based systems, Cosmos offers a seamless experience that allows users to access various AI capabilities and tools when needed. Akin to ChatGPT’s plugins system, which enables users to attach new features or data to their chatbot experience, the Pin is expected to be powered by GPT-4.

Features and Functions

The documents obtained provide insight into some of the Pin’s features. It can generate messages that sound like the user, summarize email inboxes, translate languages, and identify food to provide nutritional information. Additionally, it supports Tidal music streaming, featuring an “AI DJ” that selects music based on the user’s context. The device also boasts AI-centric photography features, although the specifics of these features are unclear.

Managing the Pin

The Pin is designed to be a self-contained and user-friendly wearable device. However, Humane provides users with a tool called Humane.center, which serves as a hub for setting up and customizing the device. Users can access their collected notes, videos, and photos through this platform, although it is unclear whether Humane.center is a website or a mobile app.

Conclusion

Humane is preparing to officially announce the AI Pin tomorrow. This announcement may provide further details on shipping dates, device functionality, and the potential value of a screenless smartphone.