Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I never quite understood this product. Perhaps that's partly on me for not reading more about it but it just seemed like a solution to a problem that didn't exist. And not an elegant one.
 
Could've bough an iPhone SE with 5G that's more useful than this mess. It's basically a brooch with a cellular modem.
 
I had not heard about the "fire hazard charger/stop using it/but no refunds" part of the story. Even with the months of free service, that just sounds crazy to me.
 
Fair point, but surely someone in the room asked ‘but why isn’t this an app?’ before signing millions and millions of dollars?
Greed caused them to look past it despite any better judgment. "This AI pin could make me the next Mark Cuban"... Lol
 
At a certain point, it will become rare and worth something to collectors :).
You mean like the Sidekick 3? I owned one of those and they were one of the best devices I ever owned. Unfortunately, five years later, Microsoft discontinued the cloud services and those devices no longer work. They still look pretty good, but now they’re nothing more than a paperweight.
 
”Cannot refurbish the device”? Somebody didn’t think this through. I doubt that the founders could have been so hopelessly optimistic about everything going absolutely flawlessly… which, ironically, has proven to be the exact opposite.
I bet it’s totally possible but they won’t because the moment they start selling refurbished new device sales will drop like a rock, especially since returns are outpacing demand according to this article.
 
Of course they remain committed to this, as long as investors keep pouring money into them will little oversight.
 
To be honest if it had actually been a “pin” rather than a “bricklet” it may have been more attractive. But like the VR glasses the high concept is outpacing tech’s miniaturisation efforts.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ErikGrim
Could you expand on this? I'm having a hard time envisaging the uses for it. What would such a product, if well implemented, do that couldn't be done better by something (like a watch) paired to a phone?
Oh, sure. The way I see it - it's not about doing it any better. It's a product in it's own, new category - much like smartwatches and smart rings are. Its function is to reduce screen time while providing useful assistance.

It's a watch or a smart ring competitor not a smartphone competitor.
 
I think the idea of replacing the phone with a wearable is inherently flawed. I don’t belive any implementation and/or business model can change that. The assumption that people don’t like using their phone is wrong. Plus, the whole economy of smartphones revolves around us being addicted to them. Replacing it with something else for us to be addicted to, will not fix that.

Products that compete with smartphones for your attention, and reduces “doomscrolling”, already exist. It’s called books and newspapers. Reducing people’s use of tech by selling another tech product is like… reducing gun violence by selling more guns.

It's not that people don't like using their phones, the problem is that they like it too much and are addicted to it. If I remember correctly, they said in their promos that this is their goal - allow people to reduce and ultimately cure their smartphone addiction. Even Tim Cook promotes and implements features that follow the same premise.

Books and newspapers compete with content consumption part. I see AI assistants competing with the... well - assistant part.

In my view they need to be much smarter and more proactive if they're to replace an iPhone for online shopping, booking and such. But to answer simple queries, web searches, help organize schedules, keep your contacts and playlists in check and updated, send, receive and summarize messages and notifications - they might be able to do this now. If implemented properly and at a good price.
 
It's not that people don't like using their phones, the problem is that they like it too much and are addicted to it. If I remember correctly, they said in their promos that this is their goal - allow people to reduce and ultimately cure their smartphone addiction. Even Tim Cook promotes and implements features that follow the same premise.
I get that. I don't believe this can be fixed with a commercially succesful tech product. History may prove me wrong.
In my view they need to be much smarter and more proactive if they're to replace an iPhone for online shopping, booking and such. But to answer simple queries, web searches, help organize schedules, keep your contacts and playlists in check and updated, send, receive and summarize messages and notifications - they might be able to do this now. If implemented properly and at a good price.
The key here is "if they're to replace an iPhone". Noone is asking for their iPhone to be replaced. Sometimes the most practical solution to a problem already exists. I don't see many of those tasks being performed efficiently without holding a screen in your hand. Which is the main reason they aren't already being done by your watch.

There have been numerous attempts at inventing a replacement for the steering wheel in cars. But, it turns out that the most intuitive way to steer a car was invented 130 years ago. It doesn't need to be replaced. As Elon Musk learned the hard way.

Many people looked at their iPhone and said "I wish this screen was bigger", so screens got bigger. Many people looked at their Macbook and said "I wish this was lighter", so Macbooks got lighter. Noone is organizing their schedule and saying "I wish I could do this without looking at a screen". Every succesful product solves a problem that someone has.

Also, people aren't addicted to smartphones because of the Calendar app. Removing the need for Calendar app won't remove the desire to check if there's something new on TikTok. Again, history may prove me wrong, but I am a strong believer that we have found the winning format already. Just like cars - we may have evolved to electric drive train, but it still has four wheels.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Michael Scrip
I get that. I don't believe this can be fixed with a commercially succesful tech product. History may prove me wrong.
Apple Watch and particularly Apple Watch Ultra is one such product.

The key here is "if they're to replace an iPhone". Noone is asking for their iPhone to be replaced. Sometimes the most practical solution to a problem already exists. I don't see many of those tasks being performed efficiently without holding a screen in your hand. Which is the main reason they aren't already being done by your watch.
Ever seen one of those futuristic screens in movies that are see-through and look so cool? Everyone wants the sci-fi tech although they may not know it yet. It's Henry Ford and his faster horses quote that comes to mind here. The road to getting the future tech is built on experimenting and upgrading the existing tech.

Noone is organizing their schedule and saying "I wish I could do this without looking at a screen". Every succesful product solves a problem that someone has.
Well, I often use Siri to add an item to the shopping list and for similar tasks. It's faster. No screen needed. I guess that's the problem they tried to solve. But when I'm out shopping, I don'ts Siri to tell me what do I need to buy. I take my iPhone out and scroll through the items on my list, etc. This is where their product fails in my opinion.

Also, people aren't addicted to smartphones because of the Calendar app. Removing the need for Calendar app won't remove the desire to check if there's something new on TikTok.
You missed the point here. If someone's addicted to their iPhone (doomscrolling being the number one reason) - it's the necessary functionality that lures them back to keep using it. Moving that functionality over (like Calendar app, Apple Pay, etc) to another device solves this issue. All function, no distraction.

Again, history may prove me wrong, but I am a strong believer that we have found the winning format already. Just like cars - we may have evolved to electric drive train, but it still has four wheels.
As much as I see no replacement for my iPhone yet - there are times when I wish I could just go out and leave that thing at home without missing any functionality of it. My current Apple Watch gets me close but not close enough to this goal. I'm in a market for an Apple Watch Ultra and while I may buy it now, I'll wait for the next version to drop before purchasing it. Let's see if that does what I need.

Overall, that would be how I see things - everything Humane AI pin does can be done better in a smartwatch form factor. Easier to wear, has a screen, keyboard, voice functions, ... add a camera to it and Apple Intelligence and it will be the device Humane AI pin tried to be.
 
Apple Watch and particularly Apple Watch Ultra is one such product.
Why "particularly Apple Watch Ultra"? What brings that closer to this vision than any other Apple Watch?

Ever seen one of those futuristic screens in movies that are see-through and look so cool? Everyone wants the sci-fi tech although they may not know it yet. It's Henry Ford and his faster horses quote that comes to mind here. The road to getting the future tech is built on experimenting and upgrading the existing tech.
No disagreement there, although that quote is quite over-used. I'm not saying experiments like this shouldn't happen, I'm saying they won't take over people's everyday lives the way iPhone did. I'm not against experiments with flying cars, but I just don't believe it will ever, in a thousand years, be the everyday replacement to road-going cars. It's just not a practical solution, for all sorts of reasons.

Arguably, horse wagons to cars was merely a replacement of drive train, not a replacement of concept. Riding a horse vs strapping a wagon to a horse was a bigger evolution (although, to be fair, I'm not sure which came first...).
Well, I often use Siri to add an item to the shopping list and for similar tasks. It's faster. No screen needed. I guess that's the problem they tried to solve. But when I'm out shopping, I don'ts Siri to tell me what do I need to buy. I take my iPhone out and scroll through the items on my list, etc. This is where their product fails in my opinion.
This is a very good example of why a replacement of the phone does not make sense, but a companion to a phone does. I believe that once you have evolved the Humane AI pin into a product that is actually useful, you have either created a companion product, or a product that is so close to a smartphone that it's just a smartphone.

Evolving the smartphone with i.e. folding screens, yes (although I don't particularly want one). Replacing the smartphone, no.
You missed the point here. If someone's addicted to their iPhone (doomscrolling being the number one reason) - it's the necessary functionality that lures them back to keep using it. Moving that functionality over (like Calendar app, Apple Pay, etc) to another device solves this issue. All function, no distraction.
I completely disagree! Perhaps this is true for you, but most people aren't opening their phone to read an e-mail, and then get sucked into TikTok. They open their phone to use TikTok, because they have 20 seconds they don't know what to do with. As long as their TikTok device is in their pocket, it doesn't matter which device they use to put things on their shopping list.
As much as I see no replacement for my iPhone yet - there are times when I wish I could just go out and leave that thing at home without missing any functionality of it. My current Apple Watch gets me close but not close enough to this goal. I'm in a market for an Apple Watch Ultra and while I may buy it now, I'll wait for the next version to drop before purchasing it. Let's see if that does what I need.
How do you expect that watch to show your shopping list? You have a noble idea, and for a minority it may be achievable. I know at least two persons who usually carries a dumb phone with them even though they own a smartphone, and several (admittedly elderly) who often goes out without their phone. This doesn't change that the large majority is going to carry their main device with them. If you are trying to replace the smartphone, you are not aiming for the minorities.

Overall, that would be how I see things - everything Humane AI pin does can be done better in a smartwatch form factor. Easier to wear, has a screen, keyboard, voice functions, ... add a camera to it and Apple Intelligence and it will be the device Humane AI pin tried to be.
I fully agree with this, however I still firmly believe that this product is a companion device, not a smartphone replacement. Maybe, for some, it will be good enough that you can sometimes leave your smartphone at home. Driving your kids to school, yes. Going on your morning run, sure. But when you are going on that four hour plane ride, are you going to bring your phone? That's the true test. If you still own a phone, you didn't replace your phone.
 
Why "particularly Apple Watch Ultra"? What brings that closer to this vision than any other Apple Watch?
Larger screen, longer battery life. Also cellular as a standard.


No disagreement there, although that quote is quite over-used.
Well, here's why this quote is relevant here:

“Some people say give the customers what they want, but that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, 'if I'd ask customers what they wanted, they would've told me a faster horse.' People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.” —Steve Jobs
I'm not saying experiments like this shouldn't happen, I'm saying they won't take over people's everyday lives the way iPhone did.
That's the point. See here: https://www.fastcompany.com/90339378/tim-cook-if-youre-looking-at-a-phone-more-than-someones-eyes-youre-doing-the-wrong-thing



I'm not against experiments with flying cars, but I just don't believe it will ever, in a thousand years, be the everyday replacement to road-going cars. It's just not a practical solution, for all sorts of reasons.
I can see how it might be - if we disregard the current state of science and technology. We might get to the point where this would be a normal, everyday thing like cars are today but I don't see this happening in the next 1000 years if ever. I certainly can see it being possible though - as shown in many Sci-Fi flicks.

I believe that once you have evolved the Humane AI pin into a product that is actually useful, you have either created a companion product, or a product that is so close to a smartphone that it's just a smartphone.
Yes, just like I see Apple Vision Pro trying to do the similar thing although - it gives a much better implementation of augmented reality features.

Evolving the smartphone with i.e. folding screens, yes (although I don't particularly want one).

I owned one and liked it. It wasn't an iPhone though so it was always my second phone and I ended up selling it. If Apple makes a Z Flip style foldable I will consider buying it.

I completely disagree! Perhaps this is true for you, but most people aren't opening their phone to read an e-mail, and then get sucked into TikTok. They open their phone to use TikTok, because they have 20 seconds they don't know what to do with. As long as their TikTok device is in their pocket, it doesn't matter which device they use to put things on their shopping list.
Again you missed my point here. Let me try again:
The way addiction works is through accessibility. Remove access or availability and people will cure their addiction. A device that eliminates addictive apps but allows for important functions of our phones to be used on its own would help solve the problem for many.

How do you expect that watch to show your shopping list? You have a noble idea, and for a minority it may be achievable. I know at least two persons who usually carries a dumb phone with them even though they own a smartphone, and several (admittedly elderly) who often goes out without their phone. This doesn't change that the large majority is going to carry their main device with them. If you are trying to replace the smartphone, you are not aiming for the minorities.
What do you mean? I can clearly see my shopping list on my Apple Watch as it is. On Ultra it should be an even better experience due to a larger screen.

And nothing works for everyone, otherwise there would be only one type of a Mac or an iPad. So you aim to give people options and let them choose what they want to buy and use.

I fully agree with this, however I still firmly believe that this product is a companion device, not a smartphone replacement. Maybe, for some, it will be good enough that you can sometimes leave your smartphone at home. Driving your kids to school, yes. Going on your morning run, sure. But when you are going on that four hour plane ride, are you going to bring your phone? That's the true test. If you still own a phone, you didn't replace your phone.
I think Apple Watch might evolve into this - unless you are into posting a cockpit photo before the flight, checking IG for likes etc.

I actually do a decent amount of flying. On shorter flights I don't use my iPhone. I have it with me, but I don't use it. On longer ones I use my iPad Pro 12.9" because it's got a larger screen and it's perfect for content, games, whatever.

I've been in situations where I would answer my calls on my Apple Watch. I can use it to play music (with headphones). I use it to set alarms, check notifications, emails, messages. Get info from the net, exchange rates etc. I don't use it to post anything on social media but then again, last time I posted something on my personal accounts was almost a year ago.And for business and music releases Ipost from my Mac - but that requires Photoshop, video editors and other pro apps.


For people like me, Apple Watch Ultra might be a phone replacement in a lot of situations but still, it's not a full replacement. Humane AI pin doesn't come anywhere close to that. I think we both agree on that. 😆
 
Larger screen, longer battery life. Also cellular as a standard.
Those are nice to haves, but does not change the usefulness of the product on a broader scale. Larger screen: This just confirms the requirement for a screen in the first place, and as the discontinuation of my favourite phone format, the iPhone Mini, confirms, people have voted with their wallet that they want larger screens. If people want larger than 4 inches, how is a phone ever going to be large enough to replace it? Cellular already exists in the other watches, whether it is standard is irrelevant. You don't need an Ultra to get cellular.

Battery life is nice, especially for the outdoor crowd, but I don't see it affecting whether the watch can replace your phone. What is the scenario in which one day battery life is not enough, but two days is?
Well, here's why this quote is relevant here:

“Some people say give the customers what they want, but that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, 'if I'd ask customers what they wanted, they would've told me a faster horse.' People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.” —Steve Jobs
And that is the approach that gave us iPhone. Steve Jobs didn't look at the existing products and consider how to improve on them. He looked at the tasks people would like to perform, and tried to figure out a product which met that need. If you want to argue that the phone needs replacing, you need to point to a tasks that is performed better with a different product than a phone. Not a task that COULD also be performed on a different product, one that is performed better. The watch has several such tasks - telling the time, tracking health data, or quick Siri input like setting timers or adding a point to a list. Certain glancable data such as weather. Outside of those tasks, the watch isn't really better than the phone for anything, which is why it is rarely being used for other tasks than those.
I can see how it might be - if we disregard the current state of science and technology. We might get to the point where this would be a normal, everyday thing like cars are today but I don't see this happening in the next 1000 years if ever. I certainly can see it being possible though - as shown in many Sci-Fi flicks.

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

Not everything shown in sci-fi flicks are going to happen.
Again you missed my point here. Let me try again:
The way addiction works is through accessibility. Remove access or availability and people will cure their addiction. A device that eliminates addictive apps but allows for important functions of our phones to be used on its own would help solve the problem for many.
But is that what the people want though? They can just delete those apps from their phone - problem solved. It doesn't make sense to ask people to accept a worse email and calendar experience, just to keep them away from Instagram. I still think you have a rosy idea of what the people want.
What do you mean? I can clearly see my shopping list on my Apple Watch as it is. On Ultra it should be an even better experience due to a larger screen.
If you are actually capable of having an overview of your shopping list, and accurately ticking off the points on your list as you put stuff in your shopping cart, you are a better man than me. I maintain that this, while possible to do, is not a better experience.
And nothing works for everyone, otherwise there would be only one type of a Mac or an iPad. So you aim to give people options and let them choose what they want to buy and use.
But the smartphone DOES work for everyone. Because you customize it to work for you. The product you are envisioning, that is keeping you away from "doomscrolling", can totally be created by setting your iPhone up correctly. Especially since Focus modes arrived. Push one button, and all your "addictive apps" are gone, until you decide to have them back.

I think Apple Watch might evolve into this - unless you are into posting a cockpit photo before the flight, checking IG for likes etc.
Agree to disagree. Apple Watch evolves into a better version of what it already is: A companion product.
I actually do a decent amount of flying. On shorter flights I don't use my iPhone. I have it with me, but I don't use it. On longer ones I use my iPad Pro 12.9" because it's got a larger screen and it's perfect for content, games, whatever.
But you know as well as me that an iPad is simply a smartphone with a larger screen, minus the phone calls that noone is doing anymore anyway. If your imaginary product should replace smartphones, it also needs to replace the iPad. Otherwise it is not replacing anything, just adding. Which is my point.
I've been in situations where I would answer my calls on my Apple Watch. I can use it to play music (with headphones). I use it to set alarms, check notifications, emails, messages. Get info from the net, exchange rates etc. I don't use it to post anything on social media but then again, last time I posted something on my personal accounts was almost a year ago.And for business and music releases Ipost from my Mac - but that requires Photoshop, video editors and other pro apps.


For people like me, Apple Watch Ultra might be a phone replacement in a lot of situations but still, it's not a full replacement. Humane AI pin doesn't come anywhere close to that. I think we both agree on that. 😆
This is the only point I am making: "In a lot of situations". Not all. Which means, it is not replacing the product. It may replace some use cases, because yes, for sure there are use cases where a different product than the phone is a better fit. Which is why Apple makes a variety of products. But, imagine this: I will allow you to bring with you ONE tech product on any given trip. Only one. Which one would you bring today, and which form factor do you envision in the future, to be the one product?

Sure, it would be possible to make a better version of the AI pin, and make it into something that is useful. It may even become a commercial success. Just like smartwatches and iPads. Of course new tech products in new form factors are going to and should emerge. But, I don't see any form factor in the future being as ubiquitous as the smartphone. I may be proven wrong, but I don't find it likely.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.