Humane, an artificial intelligence company backed by investor Sam Altman, announced this week that its anticipated AI wearable device, the Humane AI pin, will begin shipping to customers in March 2024. The device, priced at $699, aims to serve as an always-available personal AI assistant that can understand speech, see its surroundings, and access vast stores of online data.
High Demand Prompts March Shipping Date
After first unveiling the concept last year, Humane has seen high demand for pre-orders of the AI pin. To meet this interest within its production capacity, the company settled on a March 2024 timeframe to start fulfillment.
This two-month target represents a slight delay from the late January/early February window Humane originally envisioned. However, company leaders felt the extra development time would pay dividends in delivering a more polished day-one experience.
Key Details on the Humane AI Pin
The table below summarizes key information available so far on the Humane AI pin:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Price | $699 |
| Power | Continuous battery for 24 hours of use |
| Size/Weight | 35mm x 35mm x 11mm, 18 grams |
| Sensors | 12MP camera, multiple mics and other sensors to perceive surroundings |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE |
| Interface | On-device screen plus ability to pipe data to smartphone, computer, VR headset |
| Core Function | Serve as always-available personal AI assistant accessing cloud data |
Modern Twist on Wearable Computers
While notable as an AI system, the Humane pin also represents an evolution in the long-running goal to create practical wearable computers. It packs advanced hardware into a compact form factor that can blend into professional and casual dress.
Humane believes this inconspicuous integration is key. The small pin can remain perpetually on the user versus larger headset-type devices typically donned only temporarily. Importantly, wearing the device continuously allows it to understand context critical to serving as an effective aide.
Software Capabilities Led by Natural Language
On the software side, Humane demonstrated last fall that the pin leverages large language models akin to chatbots like ChatGPT to converse fluidly. Users can ask questions, make requests, or simply chat with the system.
However, the pin aims to transcend basic chatbots by integrating these conversational abilities with perceptions of its environment. The camera, microphone, and other sensors allow it to see, hear, and adapt responses accordingly rather than operating purely in the abstract.
Humane suggests this tight coupling of language, vision, and contextual understanding is critical for the next generation of AI. And packing everything into a wearable form factor enables new hands-free use cases versus phones or computers.
What’s Next: More Details and Potential New Products
With the March 2024 shipping date now public, attention turns to Humane revealing further specifics on the AI pin’s functionalities and early experience over the coming months.
The company also hinted recently at potential future products. Humane sees the pin as just the first of many wearable devices enhanced by advancements in AI, sensors, battery technology and computing hardware.
While bulky today, Humane expects equivalents of AR glasses and other once-fantastical products to eventually shrink enough for comfortable everyday use. The AI pin represents an early milestone along that product roadmap.
So as sci-fi as the concept sounds initially, if Humane delivers on its vision, AI-powered wearable assistants could soon become mainstream. The stakes riding on a successful debut for the AI pin extend far beyond one product.
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