A couple of years ago, wearable AI devices were the talk of the town. Startups like Humane, which raised a staggering $230 million, and Rabbit R1 promised a revolution in how we interact with technology.
Yet, as time has shown, Humane shuttered its operations, and Rabbit R1 never achieved mass adoption. If we were a site run by doom-and-gloom commentators, we'd be quick to declare this a foregone conclusion: "It was always a pointless idea. Nothing ever happens.
Don't even bother trying." Such a stance not only excuses our own inaction but also garners thousands of likes from fellow underachievers who prefer to blame the universe for their failures rather than their own inertia.
But let's not fall into that trap. Instead, let's examine the landscape with a critical yet optimistic lens. While AI remains predominantly phone-based today, this is merely a transitional phase. The inevitability of change is clear, and here's why:
The Interface Abstraction Revolution
The fundamental shift brought by AI is not just technological but conceptual: it's about abstracting the interface layer. Historically, users downloaded apps, opened websites, clicked buttons, and received goods and services. This paradigm is rapidly evolving. With AI, you'll simply converse with your assistant, who will handle purchases, book tickets, and call cabs on your behalf. The visual components of apps become redundant. Consequently, the large screens of smartphones are also becoming obsolete.
The Hardware Evolution Toward Simplicity
Throughout history, hardware has moved toward greater simplicity and convenience: from mainframes to personal computers to smartphones. The next logical step is a device that doesn't require you to pull it out of your pocket, open apps, or press buttons. This progression is not just a trend but a necessity driven by user experience and technological capability.
Betting on the Future: Glasses and Neural Input
So, where is this heading? The smart money is on glasses and neural input systems. Ray-Ban Meta has already sold over 2 million units, and Apple is shifting focus from the Vision Pro to more accessible glasses. Meanwhile, OpenAI, following a $6.5 billion deal with Jony Ive, is gearing up to launch its own device. The competition is fierce, but the market potential is enormous.
In terms of input methods, voice remains popular, but non-invasive neural interfaces are gaining traction. These interfaces read muscle tension, eye movements, whispers, and even tongue movements (as seen in the innovative device demonstrated by MIT-trained engineer Tomás Vega, https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1973034026845065483). Such technologies promise a seamless interaction that doesn't rely on traditional input methods, further diminishing the need for physical devices like smartphones.
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Why Wearable AI Failed (For Now)
The failure of Humane and Rabbit R1 isn't a verdict on the idea itself but rather a reflection of timing and execution. Humane's AI Pin, despite its ambitious funding, struggled because it ignored the entrenched ecosystem of smartphones. It was an expensive, standalone device that required its own cellular service and monthly plan, offering little improvement over what users already had in their pockets.
Rabbit R1, on the other hand, failed to scale due to a lack of clear differentiation and mass-market appeal.
These missteps don't negate the potential of wearable AI. They highlight the challenges of disrupting established norms. The key lesson is that success will come not from rejecting the current ecosystem but from integrating seamlessly with it, offering tangible benefits that justify the shift.
The Path Forward
The future of AI is not in our pockets but on our faces and in our minds. Glasses like Ray-Ban Meta and Apple's upcoming offerings provide a glimpse into this future, where information is overlaid onto our reality without the need for a separate device. Neural input, whether through muscle tension, eye tracking, or tongue-based controls, offers a hands-free, voice-free alternative that could revolutionize accessibility and convenience.
OpenAI's involvement, backed by Jony Ive's design expertise, suggests a high-stakes battle for dominance in this space. The outcome is uncertain, but the direction is clear: AI will become an extension of ourselves, not just a tool we carry.
Also read:
- Envision’s Ally Solos: AI-Powered Smart Glasses Revolutionizing Accessibility for the Blind
- The Death of Privacy Arrives on TikTok with Meta Glasses
Conclusion
The demise of Humane and Rabbit R1 doesn't signal the end of wearable AI but rather a necessary recalibration. The transition from phone-based AI to wearable and neural interfaces is inevitable, driven by the need for simpler, more intuitive interactions.
As we move forward, the focus should be on creating devices that enhance, rather than replace, our current technological landscape.
The future is bright for those who dare to innovate, and the next chapter in AI's evolution is just beginning.
Author: Slava Vasipenok
