Humane is the name of the super-bankable Silicon Valley startup launched by Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, two former Apple employees. She has already raised $230 million while remaining very mysterious about her plans. The founders have just demonstrated their long-awaited new project at a TED conference.
We were therefore able to see in action this new portable device which is presented as an alternative to smartphones, but also a response to the latest developments in the world of AI.
Imran Chaudhri explained that this wearable is a way to use these technologies in our daily lives. He specifies : “It’s a new type of wearable device, a platform designed entirely for artificial intelligence. And he is completely self-sufficient. You don’t need a smartphone or other device to use it. »
And the manager adds: “He interacts with the world the same way you interact with the world, hearing what you hear, seeing what you see, while respecting your privacy, safely and completely fading into your life. ».
A personal assistant and a smartphone
The @Humane wearable doing English->French AI translation in your own voice… wow. (SOUND ON)
Video credit @ZarifAli9
Read the exclusive on the Humane wearable’s features: pic.twitter.com/cmAWEU8DFS
— Ray Wong (@raywongy) April 21, 2023
Of course, this new gadget, whose name we still don’t know, allows you to make phone calls, which is the least you can do. But, and we will have understood it, there is nothing like a traditional smartphone. The demo also gave the opportunity to see translation features: “It translates into another language using your own voice pattern for natural conversation”.
But this device seems above all to be thought of as a personal assistant and an aid in everyday life. In the presentation, we can see that it summarizes the important things that the user missed during the day: a missed email, and photos received from a loved one.
Also, somewhat like ChatGPT, it answers questions about suggestions for a gift.
@humane‘s device helping you decide what you can and cannot eat based on knowing your preferences and dietary restrictions. pic.twitter.com/PFwEAsNxDI
— Michael Mofina (@MichaelMofina) April 21, 2023
Another health application: The wearable is asked if it makes sense to eat a candy bar. The latter responds: “It contains cocoa butter. Given your intolerance, you should avoid it”. While his interlocutor insists, the AI bows and lets go : “Enjoy it! »
Finally, we can see that this object allows an image to be projected (for example on a wall or a hand) and works without a screen, which is another of its many advantages. However, we remain a little on our hunger. Moreover, some Internet users have not failed to point out that the startup has not provided a lot of information on the operation of this technology.
However, we can think that this is only a first teaser, and that other information will arrive when the marketing phase is launched.
