Protecting Privacy: How Humane is Combating ‘Creepy Camera’ Fears Raised by Ai Pin

Humane’s Ai Pin is an innovative device that can perform most smartphone tasks without a display or the need for physical touch. Imran Chaudhri, the cofounder, refers to this technology as “AI as an interface,” where minimal interactions are required to accomplish tasks. However, skeptics have raised concerns about the device’s 13MP camera, which, when worn on clothing, may inadvertently capture whatever the user is looking at. This pointed camera has the potential to make individuals uncomfortable and violate their privacy. Nevertheless, the company has implemented safeguards to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Ai Pini’s camera and a look towards privacy

The Ai Pin is a small box-like device with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, an array of sensors, a speaker, a laser ink display, and a microphone. So it can see, sense, speak and listen. It is powered by an unnamed Snapdragon chipset and its brain is a GPT engine, although details are unknown.

And it’s the 13-megapixel camera that has raised privacy concerns. It seems that since the device is meant to be worn over clothing, it can see everything the user sees. This applies to public places, private institutions and even sensitive places like hospitals and funeral homes. The presence of an all-seeing eye can be uncomfortable for many.

However, this is where Ai Pin’s “trust” qualities come into play. Ai Pin is deactivated unless specifically enabled by double tapping and swiping down. When it’s in sleep mode, it won’t listen or record images and videos. It won’t even listen to wake-up words because it can only be turned on by gesture control.

Even when turned on, whenever the device records audio, photos, or video, a light comes on, which the company calls the “Trust Light.” This indicates that the device is currently in recording mode, so no one can record others. There is also Trust Lock in place, which prevents cases where the device can accidentally start recording.

These features highlight Humane’s approach to privacy and how it solves device detection pain points.