After months of teasing, Humane, the startup founded by former Apple designer Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, has finally demoed its first wearable device, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and a projected display to operate as a personal assistant.
Inspired by the Star Trek communicator, the new device can project a screen on any nearby surface and can function on its own, without needing to pair with another device. During a TED Talk, Chaudhri wore the device in his chest pocket and used voice commands to control it, similar to how one would interact with a smart speaker. He further demonstrated the device’s capabilities by receiving a call, which the device projected onto his hand.
Translation functionality and object recognition
One of the most exciting features of the new Humane wearable is its translation function. Chaudhri showed how it works by speaking a sentence and then waiting for the device to read out the same sentence in French. Although not something new, it could be helpful for users who don’t want to go through the hassle of translating their sentences with a smartphone. Additionally, the device also includes a camera that can identify objects in the world around it.
“We like to say that the experience is screenless, seamless, and sensing, allowing you to access the power of compute while remaining present in your surroundings, fixing a balance that’s felt out of place for some time now,” says Chaudhri.
While Humane’s first attempt at creating a wearable is commendable, considering the device is relatively compact, screenless, and doesn’t require connection to a smartphone, it’s unclear how well the gadget will perform in real-life scenarios and whether users will trade their smartphones for a greenish projection. When asked, Chaudhri also admitted that it will take some time before users start abandoning their phones for devices like these.