Today, Humane unveiled its inaugural product, the AI Pin. The Bay Area-based hardware startup has been operating since 2017, a year after co-founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri departed from Apple. Since then, the company has dedicated itself to developing independent AI devices, receiving significant funding amounting to $230 million.
The AI Pin represents the beginning of what Humane envisions as a series of innovative devices that tap into the capabilities and widespread appeal of generative AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The system utilizes various LLM-based systems, selecting the most suitable platform for each specific task.
Eltrys had a conversation with Bongiorno and Chaudhri regarding the company’s past and future goals. We also acquired one of the devices for some hands-on testing. The Humane Ai Pin is still a product in its early stages, with room for improvement in terms of reliability and functionality. However, the hardware showcases a meticulous attention to detail that reflects the founders’ background.
Humane envisions the $699 device as a breakthrough technology that can overcome the limitations of its predecessors. This refers to a device that is voice-based and always connected, allowing users to take a break from their phone screens occasionally.
During our recent conversation, Bongiorno shared an experience that ignited the co-founders’ journey towards the pin. “We went to this dinner, and there was a family sitting next to us,” she observed. There were three children and their parents, who seemed engrossed in their phones throughout the entire duration. It sparked a discussion about the impressive tool we created, as well as some of the unintended consequences.
The AI Pin is the initial offering in what is likely to be a series of products capitalizing on the current surge in generative AI technology. At CES in January, Rabbit’s R1 handheld caught everyone’s attention. Brain. Next month, AI will showcase its innovative handset at MWC, which incorporates generative AI as the foundation of its unique operating system. The industry is already demonstrating its diversity amidst the challenges faced by broader smartphone sales.
For just $699, Humane offers the AI Pin, an additional battery, and an AI charging case. Color options are available, starting at $799. There is a wide selection of accessories available, with prices ranging from $29 to $49. Additionally, there is a monthly subscription service that costs $24. As a gesture of goodwill, Humane includes three complimentary months when you purchase a pin.
