TL;DR:
- Humane Inc., founded by ex-Apple experts, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, has unveiled its Ai Pin.
- Ai Pin costs $699 with a $24/month subscription, offering unlimited data and calls.
- Partnerships with T-Mobile, Microsoft Corp., and OpenAI have been established.
- The device, available for pre-order on Nov. 16, aims to replace smartphones with voice and gesture interaction.
- Humane Inc. has raised $230 million in funding, supported by Microsoft, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Tiger Global Management.
- Potential competition from OpenAI’s discussions with LoveFrom, a design firm.
Main AI News:
In a dynamic industry where innovation knows no bounds, Humane Inc. is making waves with the official launch of its highly anticipated Ai Pin. Founded by former Apple Inc. design and engineering luminaries, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, Humane Inc. is boldly venturing into the nascent realm of artificial intelligence hardware.
The Ai Pin, a cutting-edge device designed to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, offers a magnetic clipping mechanism, effortlessly attaching itself to clothing. Priced at $699, it comes with a compelling $24-a-month subscription package, offering users unlimited data and phone calls. Humane Inc. has also inked strategic partnerships with industry giants T-Mobile for phone service and Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI for AI technology integration. Excitingly, the Ai Pin will be available for pre-order starting November 16.
Bethany Bongiorno, the CEO of Humane Inc., shared her insights on the product’s pricing strategy: “For the technology you are getting, we set a high bar for ourselves in terms of pricing it at a level we think is approachable and accessible. There will always be improvements over time in terms of driving down cost.”
The tech and AI communities have been keeping a close eye on Humane Inc. since its inception in 2018. Founded by husband-and-wife co-founders, Chaudhri and Bongiorno, the company has shrouded most of its work in secrecy, with occasional glimpses into its innovation. Chaudhri demonstrated the device at a TED Talk in April, and in September, it graced the attire of models, including the iconic Naomi Campbell, during Paris Fashion Week. Recently, the tech website The Verge revealed several device specifications, including pricing details.
The Humane Ai Pin is poised to be the smartphone replacement of the future. With its subscription plan offering a dedicated phone number, it stands alone, unburdened by the need for pairing with a traditional phone. The device boasts a screenless design, relying on voice commands, touchpad inputs, gestures, or object interactions for user engagement. Notably, it features a laser projector capable of displaying text directly onto the user’s hand.
Imran Chaudhri, with two decades of experience at Apple, played a pivotal role in designing the iPhone’s home screen. Bethany Bongiorno, on the other hand, was a software development leader for Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and later the Mac, contributing to the founding team behind the iPad. Together, Chaudhri and Bongiorno assembled a team of former Apple employees, including Chief Technology Officer Patrick Gates, formerly a senior director of engineering at the Cupertino-based tech giant.
In a joint statement, Chaudhri and Bongiorno expressed their vision, stating that the “Ai Pin is the embodiment of our vision to integrate AI into the fabric of daily life, enhancing our capabilities without overshadowing our humanity.“
With a total funding of $230 million to date, Humane Inc. is making strides in the industry, with its most recent funding round securing $100 million in Series C funding in March. Distinguished backers such as Microsoft, OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, and Tiger Global Management have demonstrated their faith in Humane’s potential.
While Humane Inc. is forging ahead, it’s worth noting that it’s not the only player in the AI hardware game. Reports suggest that OpenAI is in discussions with LoveFrom, the design firm founded by former Apple executive Jony Ive, regarding a separate AI device. When asked about the potential competition, Bethany Bongiorno commented in a TV interview, “I think it is incredible that there is excitement around this space.”
Conclusion:
The launch of the Humane Ai Pin represents a significant advancement in AI hardware, with its unique features and competitive pricing. Humane Inc.’s strategic partnerships and substantial funding indicate strong industry support. However, competition, such as OpenAI’s potential entry, underscores the growing interest and competition in the AI hardware market, promising further innovation and consumer choices in the near future.
