Humane AI Pin: The $699 Lapel Device Transforming Wearable Tech

In a groundbreaking announcement yesterday, Humane, the five-year-old artificial intelligence startup founded by former Apple designers Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, revealed its inaugural product—a $699 pin designed to be worn on the lapel.

Dubbed the Humane AI Pin, the device aims to revolutionize communication by serving as a smartphone replacement.

Through voice controls, users can make calls, send texts, and access information.

The pin features a laser display, transforming the user's palm into a miniature screen capable of showcasing the time, date, or nearby points of interest.

During the 10-minute launch video on the company's website, Chaudhri emphasized the device's unique privacy features.

Unlike conventional smart devices, the AI Pin operates only upon user engagement, triggered by voice, touch, gesture, or the laser ink display—eliminating the need for wake words and constant surveillance.

To use the device independently of a smartphone, customers will need to pay an additional $24 monthly data subscription to T-Mobile, providing a distinct phone number for the pin.

Humane gained attention earlier this year with a $100 million financing round from major investors, including Microsoft, LG's venture arm, Tiger Global, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.

The total funding for the startup now exceeds $200 million.

Exploring the Capabilities of the Humane AI Pin

In the launch video, Chaudhri and Bongiorno showcased the device's capabilities, highlighting its Qualcomm chipset-powered technology.

The AI Pin includes a built-in speaker and camera, with visual indicators for their activation.

Notable features demonstrated in the video include the device's ability to translate spoken conversations between Spanish and English in real-time, as well as access AI services directly from the internet.

Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and other contributors offer a range of AI services, enabling users to request information or entertainment, such as playing songs from famous sci-fi films.

The device's assistant can also provide summarized daily calendar updates, message overviews, and health data insights, showcasing its versatility in integrating various aspects of users' lives.

Access to music services like Tidal is available through a subscription.

Humane's AI Pin emerges as a promising contender in the evolving landscape of wearable technology, offering a unique and privacy-conscious alternative to traditional smartphones.

Orders for the AI Pin are set to begin on November 16, according to the company.

To see the demo, check their website.

Kif Leswing / CNBC