Technology companies are actively developing new types of wearable gadgets capable of perceiving the environment through sight and hearing. These devices, which can record and analyze information, represent a vision of the future being shaped in the age of artificial intelligence, regardless of consumer wishes.
New Gadgets and Their Capabilities
Major technology corporations and startups are creating wearable devices equipped with cameras and microphones. For example, Meta sells millions of its EssilorLuxottica glasses with built-in microphones and cameras, and Samsung plans to release its own smart glasses later this year.
Wearing such items gives AI assistants instant access to the user's life. Industry leaders hope this will allow AI agents to provide personalized advice and perform tasks for people.
Personal Experience Testing Devices
The article's author tested various wearable devices, including Meta Ray-Ban glasses, the Amazon Bee Pioneer bracelet, and the small Plaud Notepin S recorder, using them in the office, during business trips, and while relaxing. In some situations, these gadgets proved useful.
During a trip to Lisbon, the author was able to get information about the Jerónimos Monastery simply by pointing the Meta glasses at it; the glasses took a picture, analyzed it, and provided an answer almost immediately after receiving consent.
The Amazon Bee Pioneer bracelet helped at networking events because it allowed conversations to be recorded (with permission) more naturally than holding a phone. The app suggested contacts for follow-up interaction. Similarly, the Plaud Notepin S, clipped to clothing, also proved useful.
Privacy Issues and Social Discomfort
Despite the practical benefits, using these gadgets in social situations caused a strange feeling. The author noted that, as a journalist, he was used to asking for permission to record interviews, but this felt awkward during friendly gatherings or meetings with colleagues.
The situation took an unexpected turn: during a board game session, the author mentioned moving in the autumn. The Bee app reminded him next time to book movers for October, and then stated that the words indicated anxiety about 'stability' and 'sense of home,' suggesting he take a picture of his current living space's 'favorite corner.' This demonstrated the potential of AI assistants to draw conclusions based on observation, not just direct statements.
An Amazon representative stated that Bee is designed to identify insights and recommendations based on long-term study of the user, and that early conclusions may be less accurate due to limited context. Users can also flag inaccurate Bee insights to improve the quality of advice.
Prospects for AI Device Development
According to Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, major global companies are working on gadgets such as AI pendants, badges, and jewelry. For Amazon, Bee is a key element of the future Alexa assistant. Panos Panai, Amazon's VP of Devices and Alexa, stated that people will want a personal assistant aware of their entire day, not just the time spent at home.
Nathan Xu, CEO of Plaud, believes that his company's devices could help reduce the work week in the future, as the captured information would help AI models better understand workflows with fewer prompts.
Greg Brockman, President of OpenAI, reported that the company is working on a series of hardware gadgets, asserting that with the development of AI agents, the era of keyboards and mice will soon end, as 'clicks and typing were a phase, not what we wanted to achieve.'
Risks of Misuse and Ethical Questions
The industry's optimistic view contrasts with the concerns of many people regarding surveillance-capable AI gadgets. The Meta glasses generated the most resistance, as women reported men using them to film and publish videos without their consent.
In response, singer Lorde sharply spoke out against the glasses. Meta now removes such videos from Instagram. The company has also implemented recording indicators on its glasses, the Bee Pioneer bracelet, and the Plaud Notepin S. Meta representative Dina El-Kassabi stated that the glasses camera has built-in privacy: an LED will flash bright white when filming or recording, and this light has no switch so both parties feel comfortable.
However, experts warn that the presence of indicators might be inconspicuous if conversation partners are not looking at the wrist or clothing. Callie Schröder from the Electronic Privacy and Information Center emphasized that wearable gadgets with microphones and cameras are dangerous because they can be used covertly in private places, such as fitting rooms. She noted real concerns about the potential for dangerous misuse of these technologies.
Nevertheless, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg asserted during a conference call that AI glasses could give people a 'cognitive' advantage, stating that not having such glasses puts a person in a 'significantly disadvantageous cognitive position' compared to competitors.
