2023-04-23 20:00:30
Simple gadget or real revolution? Last week, the mysterious American start-up Humane unveiled the product which enabled it to raise 230 million dollars. In accordance with the patents it had registered, it is a small laser projector to wear on oneself, a bit like a pin, projecting images on a hand or a surface. And which integrates a voice assistant doped with generative artificial intelligence. The device is equipped with a camera, a microphone and several sensors, probably to be able to detect the movements of the hands. “It interacts with the world the same way you interact with the world, hearing what you hear, seeing what you see,” assures Imran Chaudhri, the boss of Humane, while promising to respect privacy.
the following smartphone – Launched in 2018, Humane has long remained in the shadows. The presentation of its first prototype marks a new stage in its history. It comes a month following a fundraising of 100 million dollars, in which Microsoft, Qualcomm and even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, participated. On this occasion, the young company also announced a strategic partnership with the designer of ChatGPT to integrate its generative AI models. To seduce investors, it suggests the following smartphone, offering an alternative to augmented reality glasses developed by Apple or Facebook. Humane, which has around 200 employees, also benefits from the CVs of its two founders, former designers of the apple group.
Translation – During his demonstration, Imran Chaudhri clarified that the device is completely autonomous: it does not need to be connected to a smartphone. This will most likely have a network chip. And it shouldn’t work without an internet connection. The Humane boss also showed off several usage examples. He will be able to make phone calls or to identify and give information on objects placed in front of him. The device can translate sentences using an AI recreated voice of the user. And also make a summary of missed emails and messages during a day. Humane also promises personalized artificial intelligence, capable of responding according to the user’s profile – for example, a food allergy.
The previous Magic Leap – The secrecy maintained by Humane, and its ability to attract investors is reminiscent of Magic Leap, which promised to market a revolutionary augmented reality helmet. And who had raised nearly three billion dollars from prestigious names. After narrowly escaping bankruptcy in 2020, she has since abandoned her dreams of greatness, refocusing solely on the professional market. Exceptional in terms of the amounts involved, this failure illustrates the extreme complexity of the hardware market for start-ups. Even when they have been started by managers who have proven themselves in large groups. Humane will also have to demonstrate the real usefulness of his invention, and answer the questions regarding privacy that will not fail.
For further:
– L’incroyable comeback de Magic Leap
– ChatGPT illustrates the promises of artificial intelligence… and its limits
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