A small, toy-like cube without a screen has been named the Invention of the Year by Time magazine before it even hit the market. On November 9, startup Humane unveiled AiPin, its AI hardware device priced at $699. Pre-orders open next week, with shipments expectednext year.

If you haven't heard of Humane, don't worry. The company's biggest investor is none other than Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI. Humane has also received funding from well-known companies like Microsoft, LG, Volvo, and Qualcomm, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

As for the star of the show, AiPin is no ordinary device. It's touted as a smartphone replacement and its biggest feature is the built-in OpenAI GPT series large language model. For just $24 per month, users can access the power of AI.

Some claim that AiPin will revolutionize the smartphone industry, but is it all hype? Let's explore.

A Screenless AI Hardware: What Does It Look Like?

Imagine the next generation of smartphones. What would it look like? Humane's AiPin offers one vision—a screenless, wearable device that doesn't require any wake words. It's controlled solely by voice and gestures.

AiPin can perform most of the functions of a smartphone. It uses a built-in projector to display images on your palm, allowing for full interaction. This finger-based interaction is quite innovative, enabling seamless switching between apps and various other commands. Compared to the swiping gestures on today's smartphones, AiPin's finger-based control system is more versatile and fun.

Beyond its unique form factor, AiPin's other standout feature is its powerful AI capabilities. Instead of an operating system, AiPin runs the built-in GPT-4 large language model, which constantly interprets the user's needs and provides the most appropriate response.

During the launch event, AiPin demonstrated a range of capabilities, including song switching, message sending, translation, speech simulation, and even object recognition using its camera.

Other Notable Features

In addition to its AI prowess, AiPin also includes a high-performance processor and ample memory. It supports cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and comes with magnetic fasteners for attaching it to clothing.

Simply put, AiPin offers all the functionalities of a smartphone, minus the screen. It's a compact and powerful device that fits seamlessly into yourlife.

Innovation or Hype: What's the Verdict?

AiPin's goal is to create a product that surpasses the iPhone. In fact, Humane has a long history with Apple. The company's founders, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, are former Apple employees. Out of Humane's 200+ employees, nearly half previously worked at Apple.

In AiPin, we can see echoes of Apple's design philosophy, including an emphasis on user interaction, minimizing distractions, and accessibility. These features align well with the concept of wearable technology.

Choosing a different form factor from traditional smartphones gives AiPin a competitive advantage. The absence of a screen not only makes it more portable but also enhances its playfulness. The projection feature adds an interactive and futuristic element, akin to the holographic displays seen in science fiction films.

Beyond AiPin: The Future of Smart Hardware

AiPin is not the only smart hardware device seeking to replace smartphones. Several other devices leverage AI to free users from the constraints of bulky devices.

Compared to these alternatives, AiPin offers a more streamlined experience at a more affordable price. For $699, you can own a powerful AI assistant that fits seamlessly into your life.

Pros and Cons

Having outlined AiPin's strengths, it's also important to examine its weaknesses.

Conclusion

AiPin is a bold and innovative device that challenges the traditional smartphone form factor. Its compact design, powerful AI, and unique interaction system make it an intriguing option for those seeking a more streamlined and portable way to stay connected and productive.

However, it's important to manage expectations. AiPin is still a first-generation product with limitations. The projection display needs improvement, and the processor's capabilities raise some questions. Furthermore, AiPin's core functionality revolves around smartphone-like features, with AI serving as an added bonus.

Ultimately, AiPin's success will depend on its ability to address these concerns while delivering a truly transformative user experience. If Humane can refine the technology and expand the device's capabilities, AiPin has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.