TechAIThe Humane AI pin is a screen-free smartphone alternative… but I’m not completely soldHumane finally releases the AI pin but leaves more questions than answersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAIThe Humane AI pin is a screen-free smartphone alternative… but I’m not completely soldHumane finally releases the AI pin but leaves more questions than answersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Humane finally releases the AI pin but leaves more questions than answers
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Humane)
(Image credit: Humane)
After many rumours and rumblings about what it is and when it’ll be released, theHumane AI pinis finally available to order. As the first wearable built specifically to harness AI, the Humane AI pin has been the hot topic of conversation and now it’s been officially released to the public, the start-up has unveiled what it is and how it works… but I’m not completely sold and still have a mountain of questions.
Stepping away from current wearable technology like thebest smartwatches, the Humane AI pin has been dubbed as a screen-free smartphone alternative and wearable device. While the public were given sneak peeks of the device when itdebuted at Paris Fashion Week, the company has been pretty secretive about what it does and how it works… until now.
The Humane AI pin has its own connectivity built-in and uses its own Humane network with T-Mobile. It runs on a Snapdragon chipset for super quick response time, and doesn’t require an app but rather gives you an AI experience on the device and in the cloud. Unlike virtual assistants likeAlexa, the Humane AI pin doesn’t use wake up words, so it’s not always listening or recording you. Instead, the Humane AI pin doesn’t do anything until you engage with it via touch, voice, gesture or laser ink display.
Other clever features include a RGB camera, motion sensors, impressive speakers, and health and nutrition tracking. The Humane AI pin also uses a beacon to alert you to messages and the virtual assistant is more conversational. It also has an indicator trust light that lets you know when it’s active for better data security and protection.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Humane)
(Image credit: Humane)
Having said that, I’m not completely sold on the Humane AI pin. As many outlets are calling it a screenless smartphone alternative, it’s made me realise how much I value having a screen. To me, it seems like a strange mix of a smartphone andsmart speakerwhich almost makes me wonder why people would want it, particularly when the majority of the population already have these items.
Another thing that stumped me was the video didn’t completely explain how to set it up. The video showed that you can use the Humane AI pin to buy things so how do you put your card details on it? The brand also says the Humane AI pin has its own phone number which just adds to my confusion. While it’s not as expensive as a newiPhone, the Humane AI pin isn’t cheap either. It starts at $699 and has a $24 monthly subscription which unlocks its many features.
The Humane AI pin is available in three colourways and designed to fashionably sit on your clothes, but this doesn’t feel very versatile to me. The joy ofsmart ringsand smartwatches is that they sit on your finger or wrist and can be worn all the time but I don’t get the same feeling about the Humane AI pin.
Overall, parts of the Humane AI pin are really clever, but as it’s being called a smartphone alternative, I don’t see how it’sthatdifferent from phones and smart home devices… and I’m not sure how many people will willingly give up their phone for it. Instead, I think it’s better described as a virtual assistant which I think will get more people on board with it.
But, maybe I’m just a bit of a dinosaur and don’t understand AI? Who knows?! Regardless, I’m looking forward to seeing more people use the Humane AI pin to see how it makes everyday life easier and more streamlined… but I don’t think I’ll be using it anytime soon.
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Sleep apnea feature is coming to Apple Watch – here’s how it worksMy favourite new Apple Watch feature is all about sleep
My favourite new Apple Watch feature is all about sleep
Huawei unveils significant update to enhance accuracy, speed and comprehensiveness of health monitoringHuawei TruSense System has laid the foundations for the next decade of wearable devices
Huawei TruSense System has laid the foundations for the next decade of wearable devices
This top Garmin watch rarely gets discounted – now it’s got $100 off!The Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s best multisport watch (in our humble opinion)
The Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s best multisport watch (in our humble opinion)
There won’t be a Google Pixel Watch 3 XL according to this leakIt’s all semantics, though
It’s all semantics, though
I tried the OnePlus Watch 2 Nordic Blue – it’s changed my mind about smartwatchesHiking, biking, sauna hot and Baltic cold, the new OnePlus Watch 2 special edition is a great Android partner. Here’s why:
Hiking, biking, sauna hot and Baltic cold, the new OnePlus Watch 2 special edition is a great Android partner. Here’s why:
Oura Ring Gen 3 review: redefining sleep, activity, and resilience trackingThe Oura Ring Gen 3 is the next evolution in personal health monitoring
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is the next evolution in personal health monitoring
OnePlus Watch 2 revealed in more depth, has “military-grade” durabilityOnePlus' second smartwatch is looking pretty rugged
OnePlus' second smartwatch is looking pretty rugged
Samsung Galaxy Ring expected to launch in July with wireless paymentsSamsung Galaxy Ring could launch sooner than you think with surprising features
Samsung Galaxy Ring could launch sooner than you think with surprising features
