Image credit: Humane Official Site
The Paris Fashion Week saw a unique product from Humane, a startup founded by ex-Apple executives. The ‘Ai Pin’ wearable, set to be fully revealed on November 9, combines projectors, cameras, and cutting-edge AI technology. Supermodel Naomi Campbell had the honor of being the first to showcase the device at a Paris fashion show.
From TED Talk to Reality
Described as a “screenless, standalone device and software platform built from the ground up for AI,” the Ai Pin is powered by an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon platform. It features a mini-projector that eliminates the need for a traditional smartphone screen. Alongside this, it boasts a camera and speaker. Among its impressive capabilities is AI-powered optical recognition, all while maintaining a “privacy-first” approach. There are no wake words and no “always on” listening.
Back in May, Humane teased the Ai Pin’s potential at a Ted Talk. The talk was led by co-founder Imran Chaudhri, who previously worked on the iPhone user interface. Though the device remained mostly hidden, Chaudhri demonstrated a range of futuristic features. These include taking calls with projected details on his hand and real-time English-to-French translation in his own voice. Another intriguing feature is “catch me up.” This feature provides a summary of news and information you might have missed.
Some Details Still Unclear
However, some details remain elusive. For example, how the Ai Pin connects to the internet since it doesn’t pair with a smartphone. It’s also challenging to discern the benefits over a traditional smartphone. Furthermore, the specifics of how these features work have yet to be fully disclosed. Skepticism about flashy tech demos is warranted.
By debuting at Paris Fashion Week, Humane aims to emphasize the device’s stylish nature. It’s available in both black and white, making it a unique wearable that attaches directly to clothing. However, it also carries the challenge of the stigma associated with wearing a camera, reminiscent of Google Glass. Nevertheless, the mini-projector is undeniably impressive. More details will be unveiled when the Ai Pin is officially launched on November 9.
Humane’s collaboration with Paris-based fashion house Coperni, featuring the Ai Pin on the runway, shows the growing fusion of design, creativity, and technology. Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, founders of Humane, express their excitement about the evolving relationship between technology and personal devices. They emphasize that the Ai Pin is set to usher in a new era of ambient, AI-driven computing.
No Companion Device Needed
The Ai Pin, as described by the company, is an “intelligent clothing-based wearable.” This screenless, standalone device is built from the ground up for AI. It employs an array of sensors to facilitate natural and intuitive interactions. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a companion device and boasts AI-powered optical recognition. This is along with a laser-projected display, powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ advanced Snapdragon platform.
The full extent of the Ai Pin’s capabilities will be revealed on November 9. This marks a significant step toward the post-smartphone era of mobile computing. Stay tuned for more on this exciting development from Humane.
