A new wearable from an American startup named Humane is making headlines for its AI‑driven garment badge that aims to replace the traditional smartphone experience. Reports from 9to5Mac highlight the device as the latest leap in wearable tech.
The badge was unveiled at TED 2023 by Imran Chaudhry, a designer who previously worked with Apple. The gadget runs on the Android operating system and is powered by a Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, underscoring a bridge between familiar mobile platforms and an ultra‑compact form factor.
Designed as an accessory that attaches to clothing, the device can also be held in the hand as a compact, smartphone‑like tool. Its form is purposely minimal, yet it houses a range of display and input technologies intended to keep users connected without pulling out a phone.
A small laser projector sits at the top, capable of casting a virtual image onto a palm or any nearby surface. The projection is square in shape and typically displays information in a green hue, giving a distinctive, screen‑free way to view content.
In addition to the projector, the gadget includes a camera. Allegedly, the camera is used to translate spoken language into other languages, showcasing Humane’s ambition to blend communication and mobility in a wearable format.
Interaction occurs through a tactile control area under the garment fabric, with audio input activated by pressing this region. A yellow light strip near the top provides a visual cue when the microphone is active, offering immediate feedback to the user.
Humane was founded by Bethany Bongiorno, who serves as Chief Software Officer for Apple, along with Imran Chaudhry, who leads the company’s design efforts. The collaboration centers on creating a new paradigm for personal computing that moves beyond conventional hardware forms.
There is a related history in the wearable space: Augmental previously introduced a device named MouthPad, which aimed to enable computer control through spoken language. This earlier concept reflects a persistent interest in hands‑free, voice‑driven interaction that informs Humane’s current approach.