Sam Altman Backed Startup Humane In Talks With Indian Telecom Operators To Launch AI Pin. Here’s What It’ll Do

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s backed startup Humane has started talks with Indian telecom operators to gear up for the launch of its Humane Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pin device. Humane was founded in 2017 by former Apple executives Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri. Soom it raised around $200 million from backers, including Microsoft, Qualcomm Ventures and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. T-Mobile serves as its launch partner in the US market and now, the company is eyeing to launch its AI Pin in India. Notably, it has also announced plans for its first global expansion by inking a deal with South Korean carrier SK Telecom.

The AI Pin costs $699, with a recurring monthly subscription of $24 giving users a phone number and unlimited data to power as many AI-powered queries as possible. 

What Is AI Pin & What Will It Do?

The AI Pin is a compact device that can be securely attached to clothing or accessories. It employs a combination of voice, gesture, and touch inputs, offering users access to diverse AI services, including search, translation, navigation, and more.

Distinguishing itself from traditional consumer tech products, the AI Pin facilitates communication with an AI chatbot using both voice and laser ink technology. Chaudhari mentioned ongoing collaborations with partners to explore various use cases, citing the medical field as an example and said, “One such case is in the medical space, where we are working with partners to use it for diagnosis using the contextual compute capability,” as reported by the MoneyControl.

Chaudhari emphasised that the AI Pin represents a novel approach to technology interaction, providing users with a sense of presence and freedom beyond conventional smartphones. He expressed the belief that people are seeking innovative ways to integrate technology into their lives beyond the current smartphone experience.

However, Chaudhari clarified that the startup’s objective is not to disrupt the smartphone market, emphasising that the AI Pin serves as a companion device. Designed to complement smartphones, it offers users an alternative to liberate themselves while also being designed to potentially function as a standalone device, providing individuals with an enhanced relationship with their technology.

He concluded by saying that the global market has the scope for new advancements in how people interact with technology.

In another development, OpenaAI is moving forward to deploy its tech into humanoid robots. The Sam Altman-led AI startup is collaborating with Figure AI i.e., an AI robotics company that builds humanoid robots designed to be deployed in the workforce. FigureAI aims to address labour shortages and support supply chains.