We didn’t ask for this tech

I’m not surprised that early media reviews have declared the Humane AI Pin a failure. Nobody asked for this, just like clunky VR and AR headsets.

What is it? The Verge’s summary: “The idea behind the Humane AI Pin is a simple one: it’s a phone without a screen. Instead of asking you to open apps and tap on a keyboard, this little wearable abstracts everything away behind an AI assistant and an operating system Humane calls CosmOS. Want to make a phone call, send a text message, calculate the tip, write something down, or learn the population of Copenhagen? Just ask the AI Pin.”

But the execution is dismal. Reviewers from The Verge and Engadget found the Pin unresponsive, error-prone and too complicated to use.

As a tech editor many years ago, I would always cut first-gen products a lot of slack. Unfortunately, this product was obviously based on Star Trek ideas without Star Trek interface technology (eg. 3D holographic displays, keyboardless interactions) being available. It was also riding on the current AI hype.

The same issue occurs with VR and AR products.

I have no idea why tech bros believe that the majority of people would want to wear a clunky headset that can be nauseating after prolonged usage. I was surprised to see Apple launch the Vision Pro, a $3,499 USD headset that again, nobody asked for or actually needs. I have never bought a VR headset for gaming because I’m still waiting for them to weigh 50gms instead of 500gms (Meta Quest 2) and accommodate my myopia and presbyopia.

I’m not saying our smartphones are the final answer. The screens are too small, they can cause neckaches, and they alienate people from each other. But the phones have a simple interface that most people can use easily and that’s why they are so addictive.

The smartphone interface will undoubtedly be replaced by something easier, lighter, and more ergonomic, but that replacement hasn’t appeared yet.

The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/24126502/humane-ai-pin-review

Engadget: https://youtu.be/1JjInHnLmGI?si=VK4fvK3LSlefsft8

Original post on LinkedIn.