Despite the reviews, (original iPhone software keyboard creator, Humane team member, and Micro.blog user) @kocienda remains firm in his convictions about the Humane Ai Pin:
I feel like I can trust my intuition. Years ago, I made the autocorrecting keyboard for the first iPhone. There was considerable doubt about the very concept of the touchscreen keyboard. And yet, when I built the tech, I felt that it was learnable. I saw how there were people among that initial cohort inside Apple when the product was still a deep dark secret: they got it. It became easy for them with just a little time and effort. Obviously, in time, this also became easy for most humans on the planet. Then this effort opened up with whole phone screen to them, since the keyboard could disappear when they weren’t using it. This same kind of disappearing act takes place all the time with the Ai Pin. Find the touchpad, ask a question, listen to the response, put the answer to use, keep going with your life. Using the Ai Pin is so simple and free of friction. My intuition tells me that we are on track. People will get it with a little time and effort. This model will win.
I think there’s something there, but it needs more time and advancement in the foundational tech. I’m not ready to count them out.
The hubris and self importance coming across in Humane product videos and presentations really hasnt done itself any favours here.
I love the idea, but the pin is a few years before it’s time and feels rushed.
@gregmorris Totally agree. But I’ll say that one of their latest videos seemed to take that particular criticism to heart and was much more watchable and relatable. This one, I think. Of course, it was followed up by this, which is still a bit cringy.
@gregmorris I’m also more bullish about this tech infused into glasses or similar. I’m not sold on the clothing pin form factor. (For those who also have trouble keeping bullish/bearish straight…here you go.)
I think a watch or anything really that doesn’t have to overcome a completely new usage makes the most sense. Weirdly I think the pin, or a pendent might actually be a good option when tech improves and it could be hidden.
Glasses I am still not 100% convinced by. I don’t think many people want things on their face, but they make sense in sunglasses / googles or for people that already wear things.