Buzzwords come part and parcel in every working industry, but nowhere are they more prevalent than in tech, where talk of IoT, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence (AI), has engulfed common discourse across the field. The latter is especially noteworthy given its exponential advancement in less than five years, going from a nascent novelty to a potential reckoning force that could alter the course of human history.
Despite how recent commercial applications of artificial intelligence have only begun to emerge in recent memory, the fact stands that the field of study has existed as far back as the 1950s when computers crossed an invisible threshold that granted them the ability to store and process more information than their predecessors (or indeed, creators) could ever before.
This was bolstered by a philosophical perspective driven by proponents such as renowned English mathematician, computer scientist, and philosopher Alan Turing, who theorised the potential of humankind to create conscious, sentient machines. In one of his seminal works, Computing Machinery and Intelligence, Turing posited the likelihood of machines being capable of rational thinking by processing information as their creators do.
Granted, given the limited capabilities of computer technology during the 1950s, much of that remained theoretical. But that is far from the case now, where artificial intelligence has evolved from a mere flight of fancy to a discipline of emergent technology that has found its way into an increasing number of facets of daily life. Whether checking the temperature with your smartphone’s digital assistant or relying upon a digital A.I chatbot service to whittle mundane tasks, there’s no denying the long shadow it casts.
Consumer technology is also making headway in this regard, wasting no time incorporating A.I functions into a slew of their latest devices in a bid to appeal to interest and demand within this niche. But while smartphones continue to be the name of the game as indicated by Samsung’s latest S24 lineup, what has proven to be most interesting is the rise of A.I-enabled wearable devices.
Typically lacking visible screens, a new generation of wearable devices is now hoping to rewrite the principal mode of interaction with technology by reducing the user’s dependence on hardware, focusing instead on user experience and convenience with the help of generative A.I. Need to book a table at your favourite restaurant or phone your neighbor to remind them to feed your cat while you’re away? All you need to do is speak it out loud to your A.I assistant, and consider it done.
If that’s a future you see yourself becoming a part of, then here are five emerging AI wearable devices you should keep your eye out for.
5 AI-enabled wearables you can shop right now
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Humane Ai Pin
RM 3319.98
Perhaps the most talked-about A.I enabled wearable on this list is the Ai Pin, launched by the American company Humane late last year. Making a case for itself as not just a snazzy piece of tech, but an accessory capable of blending seamlessly into the fold of contemporary fashion, this diminutive device made the rounds online after it was seen clipped on the clothes of models walking down the Coperni Spring/Summer 2024 showcase.
Aesthetics aside, the Ai Pin is Open AI compatible and runs on an eight-core, 2.1 GHz Qualcomm processor, with users providing inputs through an interface projected from the device onto an open palm. As for what it can do, this tiny square of aluminum and glass can take photos, in addition to sending text messages or answering calls by connecting to your phone. Further down the line, its creators are looking to add even more functions, including nutrition tracking.
General specifications: Octa-core 2.1GHz Qualcomm processor, 8GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage, 13 megapixel camera
OURA Smart Ring
RM 1421.26
In the wearable space, most tech companies have turned to the obvious when it comes down to developing new products: items that can be worn on the wrist, for ease of access. But OURA looks to take things in a significantly different direction and on a far smaller scale, by debuting a piece of tech that has been designed specifically to be worn around the finger. But don’t be fooled by its diminutive proportions, as the aptly named Smart Ring is a pretty capable A.I-enabled health tracker.
Packed within its svelte band are three major components: an Infrared Photoplethysmography sensor (PPG) to track your heart rate and respiratory functions, a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) sensor to observe your body temperature, and a 3D accelerometer to determine movement. Combined, they provide comprehensive A.I-powered biometric insight into your body’s primary functions, all displayed through a companion app on your phone. Prince Harry already considers himself a fan.
General specifications: Gold or silver tone titanium band packed with Infrared Photoplethysmography sensor, Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) sensor, and 3D accelerometer
RM 1563.71
The reliability of an A.I system is largely dependent on the amount of data being fed into it, which in turn helps to refine its understanding of the human experience. In that regard, tech giants such as Meta are poised to become some of the leading purveyors of products in this category, whether through hardware or software. In this aspect, their collaboration with eyewear brand Ray-Ban is indicative of that potential, culminating in the release of the Meta Smart Glasses.
While taking the guise of a pair of classic Wayfarer or Headliner frames, these glasses have been reworked to include a host of subtle tech features such as a 12-megapixel camera, a microphone, and a touch bar, all seamlessly enclosed inside. When in use, the glasses are connected with Meta AI, granting users the ability to ask questions and make commands at will, in addition to recording video or taking photos with the integrated camera system.
General specifications: Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 Platform, 12-megapixel wide-angle camera with five built-in microphones, integrated speakers, Meta AI compatibility
Rewind Pendant
As is the case with the Humane Ai Pin and the OURA Smart Ring, the Rewind Pendant adheres to the trend of eschewing displays in its hardware. However, unlike both of those contemporaries, this device isn’t meant to track biometric data to compose a detailed health report, nor was it developed to serve as an A.I assistant on the fly. Instead, the hint is in its name: ‘rewind’. Housed in a small, sleek cylinder, the Pendant was conceived to serve as a form of digital memory extension.
In essence, it will allow users to record, store, and even transcribe conversations throughout their day, provided that they have granted the device consent to do so. All data is encrypted and stored securely, with the A.I component coming in through its enhanced transcription system that aims to provide quick and accurate transcripts as and when they are required.
General specifications: To be announced.
WHOOP 4.0
Per annum subscription: RM 1136.86
While by no means a new device (it’s been around since 2021), the WHOOP 4.0 fitness tracker is still worth a mention as being one of the few wearables available on the market now to come with A.I-enhanced functionality. As a whole, it performs admirably and does exactly what is expected of it, with its tracking capabilities spanning heart rate, oxygen saturation, and sleep habits.
But of course, the key differentiator here with the WHOOP 4.0 is not just in how it looks (especially when lacking a screen), but how you interact with it. Users need to sign up for a subscription service, through which they can access granular information concerning their health profile, with suggestions offered by WHOOP Coach, a fitness suite powered by OpenAI. However, keep in mind that the device requires the subscription program to work, and may not be cost-effective for those looking to make a one-time purchase.
General specifications: Blood oxygen sensor, skin temperature sensor, heart rate sensor
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Written by
Benjamin Wong
Senior Editor, Fashion and Dining
Armed with an Advertising major from Lancaster University, Benjamin is a senior editor who has spent his time oscillating between the social media and digital media landscape since 2018. With a keen interest in haute fashion and gastronomy, he has written for publications such as ERROR Digital, WORLD OF BUZZ, and KL Foodie. Beyond the keyboard, you can find him arms-deep in a thrift pile.
