News/Wearables
Bit by the fit bug? Garmin launches Connect Plus subscription with AI fitness insights for $6.99 monthly
Garmin's new Connect Plus subscription service introduces AI-powered fitness insights and enhanced data analytics for smartwatch users. Priced at $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually, this optional add-on represents Garmin's strategic shift toward a recurring revenue model while keeping its core Connect platform free. The move highlights the growing trend of wearable companies monetizing premium software features as hardware margins face increasing pressure. The big picture: Garmin is launching Connect Plus, a premium subscription service that adds AI-powered insights and advanced features to its fitness ecosystem. The service costs $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually, offering a 30-day free trial for users...
read Mar 12, 2025Wearables to Software-ables: Tech companies pivot to AI software as hardware innovation stalls
The consumer technology market is experiencing a notable slowdown in hardware innovation as companies pivot their focus toward artificial intelligence software development instead. Despite the AI industry's explosive growth, the absence of new consumer gadgets accompanying these advancements signals a significant shift in how tech giants are approaching product development and market strategy. This divergence between AI software momentum and hardware stagnation highlights changing consumer preferences and potentially indicates a maturing device market where significant upgrades have become increasingly difficult to justify. The big picture: Major tech companies are prioritizing AI software development while noticeably pulling back on launching new...
read Feb 26, 2025AI transformations tackle sports landscape, but legal challenges emerge
In the world of professional sports, artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed how athletes are discovered, developed, and marketed, with technologies ranging from advanced analytics to biometric monitoring becoming standard tools across major leagues and teams. The Evolution of Sports Recruitment: AI has transformed the traditional scouting process into a data-driven endeavor that combines performance analysis, automated highlight creation, and predictive analytics to identify talent more effectively. Machine learning algorithms now analyze player statistics, movement patterns, and game footage to identify promising prospects AI-powered systems create comprehensive player profiles by combining performance metrics with physiological data Automated scouting reports help teams...
read Feb 22, 2025Humane’s once hyped AI wearable will become e-waste in just a few days
The technology industry continues to see rapid shifts in consumer hardware, with the discontinuation of ambitious projects alongside new product launches. The first quarter of 2025 has brought significant changes to the wearable AI landscape, while established companies push forward with new innovations across multiple product categories. Major market shifts: HP's $116 million acquisition of Humane's assets marks a significant pivot in the wearable AI device segment. The Humane Ai Pin, once heralded as a smartphone alternative, will cease functioning on February 28, 2025 HP's acquisition includes Humane's patents and Cosmos operating system, suggesting future integration into HP's product ecosystem...
read Feb 22, 2025Vision Pro finally gets Apple Intelligence, plus new iOS app
The Apple Vision Pro headset first launched in early 2024 as Apple's entry into spatial computing, offering users a mixed reality experience for productivity and entertainment. The upcoming visionOS 2.4 update marks Apple's first major AI integration for the device. Key Features Overview: The update introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools that enhance the Vision Pro's native capabilities through natural language processing and computer vision. Vision Pro users will gain access to AI writing assistance across native apps, allowing voice-prompted edits and proofreading A new feature called Genmojis enables the creation of personalized emoji reactions Image Playground integration...
read Feb 21, 2025Niantic plans $3.5B ‘Pokemon Go’ sale as HP acquires AI Pin
Whatever the "name of the game," it's going to have AR and VR written all throughout it. Here are some big happenings in that space... The virtual and augmented reality gaming landscape continues to evolve, with several major acquisitions and product launches reshaping the industry in early 2025. Notable developments include Niantic's potential sale of Pokémon Go and HP's acquisition of Humane's AI technology assets. Major industry shifts: Niantic is in negotiations to sell Pokémon Go to Scopely Inc. for approximately $3.5 billion, marking a significant change in the AR gaming space. The deal reflects challenges in AR gaming profitability, as...
read Feb 20, 2025HP acquisition gives failed AI wearable startup a humane death
The Humane AI Pin, a screenless wearable AI computing device launched in November 2023, represented an ambitious attempt to reimagine human-computer interaction through voice commands, gestures, and projected displays. HP's acquisition of Humane AI for $116 million marks the end of this experimental hardware while securing valuable AI intellectual property and talent. The acquisition details: HP will acquire Humane's AI platform Cosmos, technical talent, and over 300 patents and patent applications, while discontinuing the AI Pin hardware product. The $116 million deal focuses primarily on Humane's AI capabilities rather than its hardware offerings HP plans to integrate Humane's AI technology...
read Feb 19, 2025AI Pin startup plagued by unsatisfied customers folds as HP acquires its technology
In 2023, Humane created a Star Trek-inspired AI pin device designed to replace smartphones through voice-assistant interactions, but the product failed to gain traction due to performance issues and a high price point. Technology giant HP has now stepped in to acquire Humane's AI assets and intellectual property, marking the end of the startup's hardware ambitions. The acquisition details: HP is investing $116 million to acquire Humane's AI capabilities, staff, and over 300 patents and patent applications. The deal includes the creation of a new AI innovation lab called HP IQ, which will be staffed by former Humane employees Humane's...
read Feb 19, 2025Georgia Tech PhD student trains humanoid robots with AR glasses
Call it magnificent mimicry. The rapid advancement in humanoid robotics has been limited by slow, manual data collection methods requiring direct robot operation. Georgia Tech researchers have developed a breakthrough approach using Meta's Project Aria glasses to capture human behaviors that can train robots more efficiently. Key innovation: EgoMimic, developed by PhD student Simar Kareer at Georgia Tech's Robotic Learning and Reasoning Lab, uses egocentric recordings from Aria glasses to create training data for humanoid robots. The framework combines human-recorded data with robot data to teach robots everyday tasks Traditional robot training requires hundreds of manual demonstrations through direct robot...
read Feb 7, 2025Apple scraps AR glasses, plus more from Meta, Amazon and Google
Multiple tech shifts: Major technology companies are making strategic pivots and launches in AI, mixed reality, and gaming sectors, with some scaling back while others accelerate their investments. Apple's strategic retreat: Apple has discontinued development of its AR glasses while maintaining focus on the $3,500 Vision Pro The company appears to be falling behind in AI development, particularly with Siri lagging behind competitors Enterprise mixed reality has become Apple's primary focus in the wearables space Amazon's AI assistant evolution: Amazon is preparing a significant upgrade to Alexa, its first major enhancement in over 10 years The new version will feature...
read Feb 6, 2025Personalized gifts market set to reach $10.76B by 2029
A new market analysis shows the global personalized gifts industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a USD 10.76 billion market expansion from 2025-2029. Market dynamics: The personalized gifts sector is experiencing significant growth driven by multiple factors, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% expected through 2029. Consumer preferences are shifting toward eco-friendly and handcrafted items, creating new opportunities for market expansion The rise in smartphone usage and digital platforms has enabled easier access to personalized gift options Seasonal demand fluctuations present ongoing challenges for market players and inventory management Industry leaders and product categories: Major...
read Feb 5, 2025Smart glasses, AI agents and what’s next for the wearables market
Smart glasses technology is advancing rapidly as major tech companies and startups compete to develop more fashionable and practical wearable devices that integrate AI capabilities. Current market landscape: Meta and Google are emerging as frontrunners in the smart glasses sector, with Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration gaining traction and Google developing its Android XR platform. Meta's partnership with Ray-Ban has helped address the fashion concerns that previously limited smart glasses adoption Google is leveraging its Android ecosystem to create a comprehensive platform for extended reality (XR) experiences Smaller companies are finding it easier to develop smart glasses hardware and software, though commercialization...
read Feb 4, 2025Zuckerberg: ‘Glasses are the ideal form factor for an AI device’
The core message: Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the strategic importance of AI-enabled glasses during a recent earnings call, positioning them as the next major computing platform. Meta's CEO described the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses as a "real hit" and suggested 2025 will be pivotal in determining market adoption The glasses enable AI assistants to see and hear what users experience, providing contextual understanding of their daily activities Zuckerberg predicts AI capabilities will eventually become standard features in eyewear, potentially reaching hundreds of millions or billions of users Technical implementation: AI processing for these devices operates across multiple layers of computing infrastructure,...
read Jan 18, 2025Samsung Unpacked 2025: New wearables, gadgets and more to expect
Samsung has announced its upcoming Unpacked event for January 22, 2025, where the company will unveil its new Galaxy S25 smartphone lineup and showcase advanced AI features. Event details and accessibility: Samsung Unpacked will take place in San Jose, California on January 22 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. The physical event is invite-only for media, super fans, and industry experts Public viewers can access the livestream via Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung's YouTube channel Galaxy S25 series specifications: The new smartphone lineup is expected to feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset,...
read Jan 17, 2025Viaim’s new RecDot earbuds analyze meetings, create call summaries and to-do lists
Viaim RecDot AI has introduced new intelligent wireless earbuds designed to transform virtual meetings and conference calls with advanced recording and transcription capabilities. Product Overview: The Viaim RecDot wireless earbuds combine premium audio hardware with AI-powered features to enhance professional communication and productivity. An AI Assistant analyzes meeting content in real-time, creating automated summaries and to-do lists The FlashRecord feature enables seamless recording of both virtual and in-person conversations Real-time transcription and translation capabilities support 13 languages to English Integration with major communication platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, WhatsApp, and Skype [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="802"] Image credit:...
read Jan 16, 2025The Halliday AI smart glasses might be the most innovative wearable yet
The breakthrough: Gyges Labs has introduced AI-enabled smart glasses featuring a unique top-mounted display module that projects images directly to the wearer's eye, departing from traditional lens-integrated displays. The glasses feature a circular monochrome display in black and green colors, reminiscent of the interface from the Fallout video game series The display projects what appears similar to a smartwatch interface, though company representatives compare it to viewing an iPad from a meter away A color display version is planned for the next generation of the product [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vJf7gmNGGI[/embed] Technical specifications and features: The Halliday AI Glasses combine hardware innovation with AI-powered...
read Jan 14, 2025Meta to eliminate 5% of staff in shift to AI and AR development
Meta has announced plans to cut 5% of its workforce, approximately 3,600 employees, as part of a strategic shift to prioritize artificial intelligence and augmented reality development. Strategic reshaping: Mark Zuckerberg is implementing performance-based cuts to create space for new talent focused on AI innovation and smart glasses development. Employees deemed as "low performers" will be notified by February 10 and receive generous severance packages The company will retain some underperforming employees if management sees potential for future improvement This represents Meta's largest workforce reduction since 2023's "year of efficiency" cuts Performance management overhaul: Zuckerberg aims to accelerate the process...
read Jan 9, 2025Naqi unveils neural earbuds at CES to control devices with your mind
A new neural earbud technology from Naqi, demonstrated at CES 2025, enables users to control electronic devices through brain waves and subtle facial movements, offering a non-invasive alternative to brain-computer interfaces. Core technology and functionality: Naqi Neural Earbuds translate brain activity and micro-gestures into device commands without requiring surgical implants. The earbuds detect and interpret signals from subtle actions like teeth clenching and quick sideways glances to control connected devices During demonstrations, users successfully controlled smart lamps and moved on-screen cursors using these micro-gestures The technology reads both brain wave patterns and facial muscle movements to enable precise device control...
read Jan 8, 2025The best AI wearables and smart devices at CES 2025 so far
The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased numerous AI-integrated products across consumer technology categories, with several standout innovations in wearables, smart home devices, and personal assistance technology. Key Innovations: The most noteworthy AI products at CES 2025 demonstrated practical applications ranging from smart glasses to neural wristbands and health monitoring devices. Halliday AI Glasses introduced an "invisible display" technology that projects information without traditional lenses, priced at $369 The Natura Humana HumanPods offered seamless integration with AI assistants through comfortable earbuds using a unique Gravity Hook design Roborock Saros Z70 featured a mechanical arm capable of removing obstacles under 300...
read Jan 8, 2025AI wearable Omi wants to interpret your thoughts starting with always-on conversation tracking
The Omi AI wearable device combines always-on conversation tracking with ambitious plans for brain-computer interface technology. Core technology overview: Omi is an $89 wearable device that continuously listens to conversations and interacts with users through a companion app. The device can be worn around the neck on a lanyard or attached to the temple, featuring a three-day battery life It processes conversations in real-time, providing summaries, action items, and information lookups without requiring a wake word The system includes an app store with over 250 applications, allowing integration with services like Zapier and Google Drive Current capabilities: The device primarily functions...
read Jan 6, 2025Google may replace Assistant with Gemini on its Wear OS smartwatches
Google is preparing to integrate its Gemini AI model into Wear OS smartwatches as a replacement for Google Assistant, based on new code discoveries in a beta release of the Google app. Key findings: A recent APK teardown of Google's Android app beta version 16.0.5.sa.arm64 reveals multiple references to Gemini integration with Wear OS smartwatches. Code strings indicate Gemini will likely replace Google Assistant as the primary voice assistant on Wear OS devices Wake word functionality appears to be included in the implementation An extracted animation demonstrates Gemini responding to voice input on a smartwatch interface Technical implementation details: The...
read Jan 6, 2025Halliday’s new AI smart glasses hide a tiny little screen in sleek frames
Product Overview: Halliday has unveiled new smart glasses featuring an AI-powered display system that projects information directly into the wearer's field of view. The glasses include a proprietary "DigiWorld" display module positioned in the upper right corner of the frame The technology works with both prescription and non-prescription lenses Two color options are available: matte black and tortoiseshell Pricing is expected to range between $399-$499, with shipping planned for Q1 2025 Technical Specifications: The Halliday Glasses combine lightweight design with advanced display technology to create an unobtrusive augmented reality experience. The device weighs 35 grams (1.2 ounces) and offers up...
read Jan 6, 2025Timekettle earbuds do real-time translation in over 40 languages
Timekettle has launched Babel OS, a new operating system designed to power simultaneous language interpretation across their line of translation earbuds and devices. The core innovation: Babel OS integrates advanced AI capabilities into Timekettle's hardware devices to deliver real-time translations across more than 40 languages while preserving emotional tone and natural speech patterns. The system employs AI semantic segmentation technology to minimize translation delays Voice cloning features replicate users' unique speech patterns and vocal characteristics A custom lexicon feature allows users to build personalized vocabularies for specific contexts or industries Machine learning algorithms continuously refine translation accuracy based on usage...
read Jan 6, 2025How AI breakthroughs reshaped the healthcare landscape in 2024
A continued series of major advancements in healthcare technology occurred throughout 2024, primarily driven by artificial intelligence applications and new digital health solutions. Key technological shifts: The intersection of health and technology saw significant evolution in 2024, building upon pandemic-era innovations and expanding into new digital health territories. AI-powered medical scribes emerged as a transformative tool, saving physicians an average of one hour daily by automatically summarizing patient visits Healthcare executives ranked AI as the most promising emerging technology for the fourth consecutive year Digital health innovations expanded beyond traditional medical settings into everyday consumer products AI integration in healthcare:...
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