In an era where the entire technology sector is diligently striving to discover the upcoming revolutionary device that may dethrone the smartphone from its throne, new innovations are shining with their promises. However, they often fail to meet expectations.

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) has been at the forefront of these new initiatives. It has already made its presence felt in smartphones, laptops, and other devices. But this time, it has emerged in a new small device, a smart pin developed by the startup company "Humane," led by former Apple executives.

This device aims to redefine our interaction with digital devices. The company has managed to attract substantial investments that reflect its ambition to surpass traditional devices and offer a future where we rely less on screens. However, does this new device fulfill the high promises it carries, or does it stumble in practical usage?

So, what is this AI pin? Simply put, the pin is a small box with an elegant appearance that attaches directly to clothing, resembling a trendy accessory rather than another portable device. It comes with a price tag of $700 for the basic version. It can be spoken to, asked questions, and used for any other tasks, as the company demonstrated. It can translate languages, perform basic tasks like currency conversions, and even learn a person's speaking style to send voice messages in their own voice when typing text messages to friends and family, for example.

However, as the first reviews of this new pin started to emerge, various tech websites that tested it pointed out real issues with actual usage. The pin doesn't function as an accessory to the phone; it can work completely independently. It uses its own phone number and provides answers to queries either by loudly simulating a voice or by projecting text or images onto the user's hand using laser technology.

The functions of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pin rely on a touch interface, voice commands, and a display system that shows information on the user's wrist, known as the "Laser Ink Display." This display operates at a resolution of 720p and is designed to work within a specific distance range of 7 to 14 inches from the device. However, despite being an innovative idea, this system faces difficulties in usability under direct sunlight, as visibility decreases significantly during usage.

In terms of performance, the Pin has not met expectations. Reviews have mentioned slow response times, with delays of up to 10 seconds to complete basic tasks like sending text messages. This can be frustrating for a device that is supposed to provide faster and smoother interactions than a smartphone.

Furthermore, during usage, the device tends to heat up, which raises concerns since it is meant to be worn by the user throughout the day. The absence of vital functions such as timers and calendars, which are expected to be provided in future updates, reflects the haste in launching a product before its development is properly completed.

Additionally, the device's capabilities in handling calls, text messages, and media playback through its 12-megapixel camera suggest an attempt to replace or complement the smartphone experience. However, it fails in crucial aspects such as setting reminders or providing directions, which are fundamental elements in any current AI assistant relying on artificial intelligence.

Is it practical?

Even if the company overcomes the technical challenges, there are practical challenges related to the feasibility of user adoption of voice command-based digital interactions and displaying images using laser on the wrist. Voice command interfaces may be useful in specific contexts or for quick interactions, but they do not provide the efficiency or privacy required for productive tasks as offered by smartphones, for example.

The device also faces challenges in securely attaching it to clothing in different weather conditions and diverse social environments. The presence of a constantly visible camera may raise privacy concerns, even with a light indicating when the camera is operating.

While the design of the new device and its underlying technologies showcase "Human Inc.'s" desire to innovate beyond traditional methods, the device remains primarily a theoretical concept rather than a practical consumer product ready for the market.

The high price, along with the ongoing costs of services and the absence of a companion app for smartphones to facilitate its usage, make it less appealing to the general public and more attractive to enthusiasts interested in experiencing cutting-edge technologies.

On the other hand, the company's choice to operate independently from established smartphone operating systems poses a significant barrier to mainstream user adoption of this device, necessitating a reevaluation of its market positioning strategy. It is likely that the solution lies in transforming it into an affordable accessory or integrating it with popular tech platforms to ensure a wider and sustainable user base.