Humane Launches 'ai pin' Wearable Device

Remember when you watched Star Trek as a kid and wondered to yourself why the characters didn’t just use the artificial intelligence built into the pins on their chest to solve their problems? Evidently, somebody did.

Introducing… this thing!

What is it?

This is the ‘ai pin’, a wearable device that contains a camera, speaker, and a frickin’ laser beam. The latter is used to project information onto your palm.

The device connects to the internet and Humane’s cloud-based “AI Enhancements” via T-Mobile’s LTE network.

What does it do?

Basically anything a smartphone can do. For a rundown of the device’s features, check out this promo video in which the features of the device are demonstrated with a surprising - though refreshing - lack of insincere enthusiasm.

Why does it exist?

The designers at Humane are hoping their device will allow us to have our cake and eat it too: We can be “present” in a way we can’t when we are using our cell phones, but we can also have constant, instantaneous access to information and media.

To use the device, you needn’t fumble in your pocket or take your eyes off of whatever you’re doing. Instead, you can just touch the device and get what you need: weather, music, news, information about your upcoming plans, and so on.

If you opt to receive this information by way of the laser projection onto your palm, you may find that you’re not really as “present” as your dinner companions would like you to be. But you could instead opt to have the information broadcast via the device’s built-in speaker. You don’t get more present than that!

Did you say “laser beam”?

I did. The device has a laser projector built-in. I don’t know if it’s a good idea for people to walk around with lasers on their chests, but I’m sure it’s fine.

Can I have one?

You can order yours on November 16, starting at $699 (+ $24/month for LTE access). Visit Humane’s site for details.