Humane Company has announced that it will release the AI Battery in early 2024. The AI Battery is being dubbed the "iPhone of the AI age" and has attracted a lot of attention from technology enthusiasts.
The device does not have a traditional display screen like a smartphone. Instead, it features a mini projector that can display information on various surfaces. The AI Battery is square-shaped, weighs 34 grams, and is small enough to wear on clothing. It can easily receive voice commands and provide feedback to users. Additionally, the device interacts with the user and analyzes the surrounding environment using computer vision.
Humane began accepting pre-orders for the AI Battery in November. The device comes in three colors: black, white, and gray. Customers must also purchase an unlimited calling, texting, and internet access package for a monthly fee of 24 USD. The company will prioritize early orders and deliver the devices sequentially based on the purchase date.
The AI Battery features OpenAI's GPT-4 model, which is expected to revolutionize how people interact with mobile devices and artificial intelligence. The company's founder, Imran Chaudhri, hopes to build a world where humans can seamlessly leverage the power of AI.
According to an early tester, Erin Griffith of the New York Times, the AI Battery feels similar to working with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. However, the device does not respond until the user touches it to give a command. Through the GPT model, the device provides more natural responses.
While the AI Battery has many exciting features, the November trial version had some shortcomings. For example, the device's display sometimes failed to work correctly, and the unstable brightness made small letters blurry and difficult to read. Additionally, the device's high level of personalization and internet connectivity raised questions about user data security. The manufacturer has not yet announced the number of orders received or whether these issues have been addressed.
Humane is a fast-growing startup that has raised $230 million and is valued at $850 million. Investors include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Microsoft, and several joint venture affiliates of LG, Volvo, and Qualcomm.