During the Coperni Spring 2024 runway presentation at Paris Fashion Week, a new and enigmatic wearable device made its debut – the Humane Ai pin. Created by the start-up company Humane, founded by former Apple executives, this groundbreaking device has generated immense curiosity. Although its appearance was striking, the Humane Ai pin has left the fashion world with more questions than answers
Wearable technology has witnessed a significant expansion in recent years. While smartwatches and fitness trackers have been dominating the market, a new wave of wearables, including wellness-focused devices like the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Apollo Neuro, has emerged. However, the Humane Ai pin stands out as the first wearable explicitly designed to harness the power of AI for the era of mobile computing beyond smartphones. Let’s explore what this means and how it works.
Humane: A legacy of innovation
Humane is a startup founded by former Apple executives, including co-founder Imran Chaudhri, renowned for his work on some of the most iconic iPhones. For several years, Humane has been quietly developing an AI-based wearable device that aims to provide users with a portable digital assistant. This vision materializes in the form of the Humane Ai pin.
The Humane Ai pin represents a departure from conventional wearables. It is a screenless, standalone device and software platform meticulously designed from the ground up to harness the power of AI. The device integrates an array of sensors, projectors, cameras, and cutting-edge AI technology to enable seamless interactions in daily life. In appearance, it resembles a compact chip-and-pin device, featuring a mini-projector that serves as its screen, complete with AI optical recognition and a laser-projected display.
Unshackled from the smartphone
One of the most distinguishing features of the Humane Ai pin is its independence from smartphones or companion devices. Unlike traditional wearables that often rely on smartphone pairing or require app installations, the Humane Ai pin operates autonomously. It is powered by an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon platform, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience. Notably, the device prioritizes privacy by omitting the need for a wake-up word, ensuring that it is not “always on” or actively listening to conversations.
TED talk teaser
The Humane Ai pin made its first appearance in a TED talk by Imran Chaudhri earlier this year. While the device was concealed, Chaudhri provided a glimpse of its capabilities. These included features such as making phone calls and projecting call details onto the palm of the hand, showcasing the device’s multifunctionality.
Paris fashion week debut
Paris Fashion Week marked the first time the Humane Ai pin was publicly displayed in its complete form. During the event, the device adorned the attire of multiple models walking for the fashion brand Coperni, including renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell. The pins were strategically placed on blazers, coat lapels, shirts, and trouser pockets, demonstrating the versatility of the Humane Ai pin as a fashion accessory.
However, it’s important to note that the presentation did not reveal the device’s functionality, as none of the models actively used it during the event. Nonetheless, Humane succeeded in sparking intrigue and anticipation. Questions linger about how the Humane Ai pin will operate, connect to the internet, and what applications it will support. Fortunately, the official unveiling of the Humane Ai pin is scheduled for November 9th, promising to provide answers to these lingering questions.
The Humane Ai pin represents an exciting leap forward in the world of wearables, particularly in the realm of AI-driven technology. Developed by former Apple executives, this screenless, standalone device has the potential to redefine mobile computing in the post-smartphone era. Its ability to function independently of companion devices and its emphasis on privacy make it a unique addition to the wearable tech landscape. While questions remain about its full functionality and capabilities, fashion enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike eagerly await its official unveiling on November 9th, anticipating a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.
