© Humane
AI Pin could be the subject of a case study in all communication schools. Announced as a technological revolution, the very first product from the start-up Humane received disastrous initial criticism. A nightmare scenario for any fledgling business that Humane seems to take with disconcerting calm.
Its founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, two former bigwigs at Apple, know a thing or two about the pressure of a launch. They worked in particular on iOS, the design of the iPhone as well as that of the Apple Watch.
From the first publications of the biggest American media and YouTubers, Humane made it known that its teams were working to improve the AI Pin. And to publish a complete roadmap of updates and new features in the program.
This in no way takes away the bad publicity given to a product that we had the chance to discover at the MWC in Barcelona. Not agreeing with the conclusions of our foreign colleagues would be bad faith at best, and professional misconduct at worst. No, the AI Pin as we have seen it is not perfect. It seems that the version sent to the first testers is not either. But is the media treatment inflicted on this unique product justified??
The promise of the Ai Pin
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Replacing the smartphone for everyday uses. This is the goal of the creators of the AI Pin. This small badge, which is attached to the chest like Star Trek, is permanently connected to ChatGPT. We request it by pressing on it and we question it out loud. A laser beam also makes it possible to project a small monochrome interface in situations where a voice response is not suitable.
The AI Pin therefore draws on the knowledge of ChatGPT and responds to queries “ in seconds ” promises Humane. Weather ? Ask AI Pin. PSG's next match? Ask AI Pin. Real-time traffic ? AI Pin also knows how to respond to this. A small camera can even capture photos that can be found on a personalized website. The badge can also observe what is in front of the user, describe it and provide information.
No need to take out the phone for anything and everything. The founders' idea is to stay connected to humans(reference to the name of the company) while having powerful technology available. The demonstration by the teams present in Barcelona convinced us in principle. We spoke with one of the company's senior executives who interacted at the same time with his AI Pin, without the technology being intrusive.
It remained to be seen what this would look like on a daily basis. The feedback from the first American testers has the effect of a cold shower.
« The worst product I have ever tested »
The Verge, Mr Mobile, The WSJor MKBHD, all the major American media and Youtubers draw the same conclusion: the AI Pin is a failure. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) even titles his video “The worst product I've ever tested… so far” .
If everyone recognizes that the design work and the finishes of the product are impeccable, they indicate that this is its only asset. As it stands, AI Pin is far from keeping its promises. Promises estimated at 850 million dollars (valuation of Humane) after a fundraising of 240 million dollars with investors like Qualcomm, Microsoft, LG, Volvo or again OpenAI.
The critics are unanimous: the AI Pin is a first version of a product that looks like a prototype. The device overheats and turns off by itself in the middle of a call, the response times are far too long. In most situations, artificial intelligence provides erroneous information, when it does not refer to its conditions of use. Recognition of objects and/or buildings works poorly. In the video of The Verge for example, the AI Pin confuses the Brooklyn Bridge with another bridge in New York.
The laser used to project an interface and textual responses is unreadable when the brightness is too strong (roughly during the day outdoors). What about rain ? As lasers do not work through water, it is impossible to consult the AI Pin as soon as it rains. Practical in our temperate climates.
Finally, the most interesting features promised by the company are not yet available. Adding an appointment or of a reminder, functions although basic, are absent for subscribers.
Most importantly, the AI Pin costs a small fortune. Humane sells it for $700 to which must be added a 5G subscription of $24 per month, the device operating autonomously.
The account is not there.
Ai Pin and Apple Vision Pro: two rooms, two atmospheres
© Apple
Faced with this flood of criticism, Humane takes care of its communication. “There is still a lot of hard work to be done, and like all first generation products, all the feedback will play a vital role in what comes next” says Imran Chaudhri , co-founder. And add:
It took us a long time to get to today. Now that we're here, we can't wait to show you what the years to come will look like.
That’s what it’s all about. As the very first product of a new kind, the AI Pin wipes away the plasters of several technologies that are not quite ready. For the consumer, turn to a such a product means taking the risk of becoming a beta tester against your will, in return for money. A double sanction that media tests can limit.
However, I cannot help but draw a parallel with the media treatment inflicted on Apple's Vision Pro. In another area and for different reasons , the Pommé virtual reality headset also looks like a prototype paid for with ruby on nail.
While the Vision Pro is technically an excellent product, it turns out to be very imperfect. The features are sorely lacking for it to become part of everyday life, the product is uncomfortable and lacks endurance. Uses are also limited: few streaming services, no (or very little) gaming, no productivity applications, etc.
Furthermore, the Vision Pro is entering an already existing market, certainly with the best technologies of the moment (at $4,000, it can) but the conclusions of testers around the world are the same: this first version is just the beginning.
So why are these same testers being so incisive with the AI Pin, mostly indicating that this project was stillborn, that the very idea of such a product makes no sense, that the company will end up in the wall ? Why so many certainties for a new category of product when, at the same time, an undisguised excitement surrounded the launch of the Vision Pro ?
Because Apple? No doubt. The fact remains that this two-speed treatment of innovation for questions of brand preference does not promote progress. AI is everywhere, so it will inevitably find its way into new types of devices.
The future will tell us if the AI Pin is a good format or not. If glasses, more advanced watches or any other concept from ingenious brains are more viable. Above all, advances in artificial intelligence will certainly make these products more interesting in the future.
The AI Pin is certainly not the revolution announced. It will not replace your smartphone. But do his youthful flaws justify burying him for good ? No more than yet another augmented reality headset, were it -it marked with an Apple.
I like to believe that products from AI Pin, which combine technology and humanity, will accompany us in the future. Maybe I'm too optimistic. Perhaps the world of tomorrow will be populated by helmeted individuals isolated in their universe. Or maybe a little of all of that.
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