Six months after creating a global buzz with its small intelligent box which seemed straight out of Star Trek, the American startup Humane has finally presented in detail its badge based on artificial intelligence. She describes it, in all “humility”, as the successor to the smartphone.
“Connected pin”, “smartphone without screen”, “assistant badge”: since Thursday, everyone has their own definition to present this object which is far from unanimous but which we are obliged to recognize is daring, innovative and truly different.
So, what are we talking about about this “AI Pin”, signed by the startup Humane? A small, almost square case with rounded corners. It measures less than 5 cm on each side, between 8 and 15 mm thick and weighs 34 grams. The upper part is slightly raised. It houses two essential elements: first a mini laser projector which will use the palm of your hand as a screen – that’s the Star Trek side – and a wide-angle optical sensor, which allows the badge to see what is in front you, and that you present to him. Including detecting your hand movements, which are also used to control the interface.
No need for a smartphone anymore?
A badge active only when requested: it is fundamental for respecting privacy, that is to say when you press on its flat, tactile part. It then confirms that it is listening by a beep, and by the activation of an LED lamp of different colors, depending on the function used.
The idea of a pocket assistant is quite fair, since you can ask it anything, like your smartphone, except that with this badge whose intelligence is based on chatGPT, you no longer need to take out your phone from his pocket. And according to the two founders of Humane, two former Apple employees, we no longer even need a smartphone at all.
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It translates by restoring the timbre of the voice
The AI Pin is designed to be attached to the lapel of a jacket, sweater or jacket, using a magnetic clip. And so, he is always ready to answer your questions, your requests, formulated in your voice, by speaking to him, and to inform you about what you show him: for example, the number of calories in the chocolate bar in which you try to resist.
With its loudspeaker, it can also translate a conversation live, restoring the timbre of the voice of each of the interlocutors. The result – in the demo video – looks quite impressive.
This project seems like a bit of a crazy bet. After months of maintaining the buzz, the launch of orders is scheduled for November 16, only in the United States, at the price of a smartphone in the upper mid-range: 699 dollars excluding tax, the equivalent of 799 euros Tax included in France. This is precisely the price of Google’s Pixel 8, released last month. And as with a smartphone, you will need a mobile plan, from T-Mobile which has exclusivity: add 24 dollars per month, the equivalent of 29 euros. First deliveries planned: early next year.