Humane, a startup founded by former Apple execs, recently chose the glamorous backdrop of Paris Fashion Week to unveil its Ai Pin—a device that’s as elusive as it is intriguing. But the question remains: Is this wearable tech a game-changer or just another tech gimmick?

The device claims to enhance your privacy when you’re wearing it

While supermodel Naomi Campbell may have dazzled the audience as the first person to sport the Ai Pin in public, it’s the device’s capabilities that demand attention. Co-founder Imran Chaudhri, known for his work on the iPhone interface, showed off some nifty features during a Ted Talk last May, such as projecting call details on his hand and on-the-fly translation from English to French. The device is pitched as a “privacy-first” wearable AI assistant, avoiding ‘always-on’ listening.

AI Pin

Despite its stylish exterior and flashy Paris debut, the Ai Pin leaves us with more questions than answers. For instance, the device doesn’t require a smartphone to operate, but it’s unclear how it connects to the internet. Moreover, while it eliminates the need to carry a smartphone, it’s yet to prove that it can perform tasks any better or faster.

Then there’s the elephant in the room—the stigma attached to wearables with cameras. Google Glass serves as a cautionary tale of tech that came before its time, with privacy concerns leading to its downfall. How Humane addresses these issues remains to be seen, especially as the device moves closer to its full unveiling on November 9.

In a world where smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, the Ai Pin has certainly piqued interest. But whether it’s the next big thing in tech or merely a fleeting fashion statement remains to be seen. Until its capabilities and functionalities are fully revealed, the jury is still out.

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