The world of personal technology is getting a stylish, hands-free upgrade. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, a new wave of wearable artificial intelligence devices took center stage. These gadgets, primarily pendants and brooches, act as vigilant personal assistants, using built-in cameras and microphones to observe and listen throughout the day.
From Humane's Stumble to a Wearable AI Renaissance
This resurgence comes roughly a year after the high-profile failure of the Humane AI Pin, which was discontinued after a poorly received launch in early 2024. The landscape is also heating up with the news of OpenAI's Sam Altman and famed designer Jony Ive collaborating on a dedicated AI interaction device, expected by next year. Technical hurdles like poor battery life, buggy software, and awkward conversations that plagued early models are being overcome thanks to improved chips and software.
Major tech players are placing their bets. China's Lenovo showcased a prototype pendant from its Motorola division, designed for voice-controlled interaction with its 'Qira' AI assistant. This neck-worn device captures sound and images without needing hands. In a sign of strategic moves, Amazon agreed to buy wearable AI startup Bee last year, and Meta acquired AI device company Limitless. Bee's devices, worn on the wrist or lapel, function as assistants for notes and reminders, while Meta is focusing on packing AI into its Ray-Ban smart glasses.
Style, Function, and the Privacy Debate
Companies are exploring diverse form factors for wearable AI. Startup Vocci is betting on an AI note-taking ring, while Plaud offers both a pin and a credit-card-thin rectangular recorder. A notable entry came from Chinese startup iBuddi, presenting a 'companion medallion' aimed at reducing screen fatigue. iBuddi founder Yin Haitian told AFP their philosophy is to replace some phone interactions, not add another attention-absorbing screen. He emphasized the device, targeting a July commercial launch, reacts to important moments rather than recording everything continuously.
However, not everyone is embracing the trend. The concept of always-watching neckwear has faced backlash, epitomized by "Go make some real friends" graffiti on New York subway ads for 'Friend' brand AI pendants late last year, protesting "surveillance capitalism." Analyst Avi Greengart of Techsponential notes that while consumer privacy concerns remain, they are shifting. "We're already being surveilled by billions of smartphones, city camera networks and smart devices we willingly placed in our homes," he said. He sees these AI wearables becoming common additions to personal tech kits alongside smartwatches and rings, not smartphone replacements anytime soon.
The Future of Personal Tech Ensembles
For those wary of omnipresent listening, CES even featured solutions like the "Wearphone" – a mask with built-in earbuds and mics for private conversations. As gadget makers pitch these AI pendants as digital note-takers and memory preservers for life's beautiful moments, the market is clearly segmenting. From the continuous capture of the Looki L1, which promises daily comic strip summaries, to iBuddi's moment-focused approach, the race is on to define the next essential wearable. The fusion of fashion, function, and AI is now firmly around the neck, on the wrist, and in our glasses, setting the stage for a more integrated, and debated, tech-augmented life.
