Humane, a startup based in Silicon Valley, has released a device called Ai Pin. The device costs $699, and it is designed to be worn on clothing. It can be tapped to talk to a virtual assistant powered by technologies from ChatGPT-creator OpenAI and cloud computing power from Microsoft. The device uses a laser projection system to display text and monochromatic images on a user’s hand.
Humane was founded by ex-Apple veterans who worked on the iPhone. The company is one of many in Silicon Valley that is looking to find the next wave of consumer devices. However, Humane has rejected mixed-reality headsets in the works from companies such as Apple and Meta Platforms. Humane co-founder and President Imran Chaudhri said during a demonstration that “the future is not on your face.”
The Ai Pin device has no traditional screen and relies almost entirely on artificial intelligence to interact with the user. The Pin’s virtual assistant aims to compose messages in the user’s tone of voice and offers a “Catch Me Up” feature to summarize a messy email inbox. The Pin also includes a camera that can take pictures or use computer vision to scan objects like food, telling the user an estimate of its nutritional content.
“Ai Pin is the embodiment of our vision to integrate AI into the fabric of daily life, enhancing our capabilities without overshadowing our humanity,” Chaudhri said in a statement. The company has raised $241 million from Microsoft, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others.
The Ai Pin will be available in the United States from Nov. 16.