Do We Need a Smartpin?

Humans have a constant drive to update and refine. History shows the benefits of this. Without revision, we wouldn’t have any of the tools we take for granted today. While some things are needed for survival, others should not need to be created. One of these might be the AI Pin. Let’s get into it.

Humane, an upstart wearable device company, just announced their first product, the Humane Ai Pin. The idea is to have a smartpin which attaches to a shirt just like any other pin, except that this pin is a computer. The device was announced in a Ted Talk by one of the founders, Imran Chaudhri, and was pitched as an alternative to virtual reality. The premise is one I understand and agree with: that tech should be able to become invisible when unwanted and available when needed. However, I found this conflicting with their mission, found on Humane’s website, which states: Humane was founded on the principle that we all deserve more from technology. My question is what does more mean? Does it mean more available or more beneficial? This new technology is a small step from our current technology, but the more and more we chip away at the few spaces we aren’t around tech, the more I fear we lose part of what makes us truly human, which is our incredible sociability. As a tech enthusiast, I approve of the ideals of Humane, but question the fulfillment of them. We’ll see what this leads to, but I’ll put a pin in it for now.