Humane’s entrance into the wearable tech scene is, unsurprisingly, unlike anything we’ve seen before. The AI Pin defies categorization. It’s part futuristic smart glasses, part voice assistant, part fashion statement – all wrapped in a device that stubbornly refuses to be anything resembling a smartphone.
Reviewers in the US have spent weeks playing around with the AI Pin, and one thing is abundantly clear: This device isn’t for everyone. But could it represent a glimpse of a future where our interaction with technology becomes more seamless and less intrusive?
Below is as summary outcome based on reviewers who tested the device.
Design: Where Function and Fashion Collide
The AI Pin looks strange. It’s a large, angled slab reminiscent of a futuristic brooch. It’s deliberately designed to be worn on the outside of your clothing, secured via what Humane calls a “gravity lock” – essentially a fancy magnetic clip.
The device itself is remarkably light, thanks to its primarily plastic construction. While the AI Pin is available in several bold colors, the overall feel is minimalist and surprisingly elegant. I found myself drawn to the clean lines and smooth curves, even though it stands in stark contrast to the sleek wearables we’ve grown accustomed to.
Despite its unique form factor, the AI Pin feels remarkably sturdy. It shrugged off a few accidental drops with no cosmetic damage. However, the gravity lock leaves something to be desired. It’s secure enough during casual wear, but more vigorous activities caused the AI Pin to detach a few times, raising some concerns about durability in those scenarios.
The Display… Sort Of
One of the most striking aspects of the AI Pin is the lack of a traditional screen. Instead, it relies on lasers and a unique projection system to create a virtual display that “floats” above the device. The projection appears directly in your line of sight.
The resolution and clarity are impressive, considering the compact size. Text is surprisingly crisp, and the colors are vibrant. However, it’s unusable in direct sunlight. Even on a cloudy day, the display struggles to stand out. This limits its usefulness to indoor environments or well-shaded outdoor situations.
Humane’s UI design attempts to compensate for the limitations of the display. You won’t find rows of tiny icons here. Instead, information is presented in a larger, more glanceable format. It’s reminiscent of looking at a smartwatch, but the AI Pin has the advantage of adapting the display size on the fly.
The Cameras: Power and Privacy Concerns
The AI Pin houses two front-facing cameras, a significant departure from the inward-facing trend seen on most AR glasses. These cameras are central to many of the AI Pin’s functions. They power the device’s ability to recognize objects, identify people, and even act as a sophisticated teleprompter.
The cameras themselves are high-resolution, capturing video in sharp detail. However, their always-on nature (a requirement for real-time processing) has raised privacy concerns echoed in several reviews, including MKBHD’s. Humane argues that the footage never leaves the device unless explicitly chosen by the user, but that might not be enough to assuage worries in an increasingly privacy-focused landscape.
AI Assistant Reimagined
Instead of relying on always-listening “wake words” (much to the relief of anyone else in earshot), the AI Pin uses a combination of voice commands and gesture controls. It’s a learning curve, but eventually feels intuitive.
The AI assistant is conversational and surprisingly good at parsing complex requests. It felt less like interacting with Siri or Alexa and more like having a real-time researcher at my disposal. The ability to ask “Show me coffee shops within walking distance that are pet-friendly” and get immediate, glanceable results is undoubtedly impressive.
The AI Pin also goes further, proactively offering information it deems relevant. This ranged from helpful reminders about upcoming appointments to unsolicited fun facts when it recognized a particular object or landmark. It’s a double-edged sword – sometimes insightful, other times bordering on intrusive. Thankfully, a “focus mode” exists, allowing temporary silencing of these notifications.
Translation and Accessibility Features: A Highlight
One of the most universally praised aspects of the AI Pin is its real-time translation capabilities. With its dual cameras, the device can translate text instantly, or even overlay subtitles during conversations with someone speaking a different language. It’s not flawless, but its speed and relative accuracy are a marvel.
Additionally, the AI Pin includes several accessibility features, such as the ability to magnify text or narrate on-screen notifications for the visually impaired. It’s a welcome focus on inclusivity.
Performance and Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
The AI Pin’s performance is surprisingly snappy, thanks to its custom silicon, though don’t expect smartphone-level processing power. There’s noticeable lag when using more demanding features, like the real-time object recognition, especially in low-light environments.
Battery life is underwhelming. Humane claims 12 hours of use, but that’s optimistic. With moderate use, including some translation and navigation, I rarely got past a full workday without needing a recharge. This seriously hampers the AI Pin’s ambition as an all-day wearable, and its proprietary charging cable is an extra item to remember to carry around.
The Verdict: Brilliance Marred by Practicality
The Humane AI Pin is audacious in its ambition to reinvent how we interact with technology. It’s not a device for everyone. In fact, it’s probably not a device for most people.
Here’s who might appreciate the AI Pin:
- Tech enthusiasts intrigued by the future: If bleeding-edge excites you, the AI Pin is a fascinating look into the potential of wearable computing.
- Those who value privacy (with caveats): The lack of a microphone and local processing is intriguing, though constant camera use remains a concern.
- Accessibility advocates: The translation and accessibility features are genuinely excellent.
Here’s who should consider other options:
- The smartphone-reliant: The AI Pin isn’t a phone replacement, and its functionality is severely hampered without a paired smartphone.
- The practically minded: The short battery life and limited display are deal-breakers for everyday use.
- The fashion-conscious: While unique, the AI Pin’s “statement piece” look isn’t for everyone.
Humane’s AI Pin is a technological marvel, a proof of concept bursting with ideas. Some of those ideas are brilliant; others… less so. It feels like a glimpse of the future – whether you consider that future enticing or unsettling is ultimately up to you.
Here’s the in-depth review by Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)