Silicon Valley Startup "Humane" Releases Ai Pin, Innovative AI Device Costing IDR 10.9 Million

Humane, releases AI Pin device (photo: twitter @Humane)

JAKARTA - Humane, a startup in Silicon Valley with a star roster of founders and executives, released a device for 699 US dollars (IDR 10.9 million) on Thursday 9 November that aims to bring cutting-edge artificial intelligence close to your collar.

The Ai Pin, as the device is called, is designed to be worn on clothing and can be tapped to talk to a virtual assistant powered by technology from ChatGPT created by OpenAI and cloud computing power from Microsoft. This device uses a laser projection system to display text and monochrome images on the user's hand.

Founded by former Apple employees  who once worked on the iPhone, Humane is one of many companies in Silicon Valley trying to find the next wave of consumers. However, the company has firmly rejected mixed reality headsets being developed by companies such as Apple and Meta Platforms (Inc.). Even Humane's co-founder and President, Imran Chaudhri, said during the Ai Pin demonstration earlier this year that "the future is not in your face."

In contrast, Humane offers a device without a traditional screen that relies almost entirely on artificial intelligence to interact with users. Ai Pin's virtual assistant aims to excel by crafting messages in the user's speaking style and offering a "Catch Me Up" feature to declutter a cluttered email inbox.

Ai Pin is also equipped with a camera that can take photos or use computer vision to scan objects such as food, giving users an estimate of their nutritional content.

"Ai Pin is the embodiment of our vision to integrate AI into everyday life, enhancing our capabilities without eliminating our humanity," Chaudhri said in a statement quoted by VOI from Reuters.

The company says Ai Pin will be available in the United States starting November 16. Humane has raised 241 million US dollars (IDR 3.7 trillion) from Microsoft, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other parties.