The Humane AI Pin has been out for a few days, and it is an understatement to say that the release has caused division. Most of the reviews that came out this week were fairly lukewarm. Many users who have spent a couple of weeks with the Pin find it to be quite buggy, slow, and missing a few key features one would expect from a device that purports to act as your assistant—or your “second brain,” as Humane calls it.
But while we’re waiting to see what other similar AI tech like the Rabbit R1 can do, the AI Pin—aand its team of ex-Apple developers—hhas caused enough of a stir that we now have to wonder if we’re headed for a screenless world. Not any time soon, but perhaps someday we won’t even need dumb phones; instead, we’ll all be roaming the streets as constantly connected cyborgs sporting Meta Ray-Ban sunglasses and Star Trek communicator-style pins while dodging money-hungry ghosts chasing after Pac-Man.
Still, this is new technology and new territory, so even though it’s an expensive little gadget, you might be thinking about picking one up to see if Humane can actually turn their PIN into (if not your phone replacement) at least a unique assistant-type device for firing off texts or pulling up your music library without having to dig into your pocket for your phone.
How much does the Humane AI Pin cost?
Pins are pricey. Data and music service monthly charges must also be considered. The base Eclipse AI pin costs $699. This matte black body has a shiny battery booster pack that clips beneath garments. Both the white Lunar and black Equinox have chrome frames and are more costly.
Each Humane Pin has a MagSafe-like charging pad and a Bluetooth headphones pod-like charging case. Both have USB-C cables and battery “boosters.” The device contains an internal battery; however, boosters can be replaced to extend durability. When used throughout the day, the battery life is poor, as The Verge reported that their gadget died after five hours in their backpack.
You’re not done after paying for the device. To use the pin, you must pay $24 for T-Mobile’s unlimited data plan with cloud storage. The PIN gives you a personal phone number, and international roaming costs more depending on how long you’re overseas. Each day costs $5, while 30 days cost $50. Check whether T-Mobile supports your area; if service is spotty or nonexistent, you won’t be able to use most AI Pin features.
Playing music with the AI pin requires a Tidal account. Tidal is the only music partner for AI pins, and there are no other players. Tidal plans cost $11 per month, save for students who pay $5.
The smartphone was released; however, the business claims non-pre-ordered customers should anticipate their devices in May.
How Are You Supposed to Control the Human AI Pin?
For its UI, the AI Pin uses touch, voice, and a projection interface. There is no screen which means putting in a WiFi password or going through system settings may be more cumbersome than you’re used to.
You don’t need to pull up your phone, unlock it, or scroll to the right app before you can do what you want; that’s what the AI Pin should be able to handle for you. But it’s not promised to be faster than any phone expert. Press and hold the touchpad until you hear a chime if you’d like voice control. For translation, use two fingers and hold before hearing a separate sound, then begin speaking. Other gestures, such as scrolling, will raise or lower the volume, and double-tapping on the pad will snap a photo.
The so-called “Laser Ink Display” on The Pin is supposed to be projected onto your palm. It’s a 720p display with text in bright greens and whites and large font size. It’s only visible at distances of 7-14 inches away from device, but it’s not meant to be projected on any wall in front of you. Reviewers also noted that projection is very hard-seen-in-direct-sunlight meaning if outside users will need some shade.
This projector includes a home screen with several commonly used functions, such as weather, music, messaging, or calls. This system has separate gesture-based controls. Rolling your palm should help you hover over different utilities while tapping your finger and thumb together should select apps like Apple Watch’s double tap.
What Can the AI Pin Do and Not Do?
Humane says it doesn’t intend to replace your phone, but the AI pin handles many Android and iPhone functionalities hands-off. The pin can text, call, take notes, and take 12 MP images and videos. It can shoot 1080p at 30 FPS at 4160×3120. When tied to your clothes, it won’t be your main camera, but it never was.
You may not get a more reactive Siri with this humane AI pin. The pin cannot schedule timers or alarms at this time. It cannot search calendar apps or give instructions. These enhancements are planned for this summer, but their release date and method are unknown.
Humane’s roadmap website nicely displays on-device and upcoming features. According to the firm, SMS photo sharing, playlists, Google Places, and voice translations are in development.
Reviews suggest considering the device’s speed. It can take up to 10 seconds for the smartphone to send a text message, according to user videos. The device’s vision is inconsistent, and several reviews suggest its AI can lie: One reviewer thought it was a Thai temple for one in Cambodia, while another asked for a micro-mobility company logo but got an unrelated one.
Humane says it is improving its model to make AI answer faster and more accurately. Some of that AI is processed on-device, but most is in the cloud.
