Humane launches 'Ai Pin,' a screenless wearable powered by OpenAI

After months of anticipation, stealth startup Humane has finally launched the Ai Pin.

The device is a screenless AI wearable that functions without the need for a smartphone or other tethered device. Instead of a screen it can project a visual on a surface. "Speak to it naturally, use the intuitive touchpad, hold up objects, use gestures, or interact via the pioneering Laser Ink Display projected onto your palm," said the announcement. Humane is equipped with a Snapdragon processor and AI model powered by OpenAI. Details of the model is unclear, but as The Verge pointed out, previous announcements allude to it being powered by GPT-4.

Who needs screens, when you have your palms. Credit: Humane

Humane, founded by former Apple executives, are positioning the device as the future of portable computing. In his TED Talk, co-founder Imran Chaudhri envisions a screenless future, where AI-powered devices blend more seamlessly into our lives. As an teased example of this, Humane partnered with Coperni for Paris Fashion Week, debuting the device pinned to the models' clothing on the runway. "Ai Pin is the embodiment of our vision to integrate AI into the fabric of daily life, enhancing our capabilities without overshadowing our humanity," said Chaudhri and co-founder Bethany Bongiorno in the announcement.

Humane wants to envision a future without staring at screens. Credit: Humane

For wireless connectivity, Humane has is launching its own MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) and has an exclusive partnership with T-Mobile for for cellular. The device is starting at $699 for the complete kit, which includes "two battery boosters, a charge pad, a charge case, a cable and an adapter." For $24 a month with T-Mobile, you can get cellular coverage and a unique phone number. Orders for the Ai Pin begin on November 16.