Humane: The Next Big Thing

Humane has recently been turning heads in the Tech world, in particular in the AI space. The secretive company intends on building a future with less distractive and more familiar technology.

The relationship humans have with their devices is overpowered by the density of information that people have to contend with on a daily basis. Technology can often be obtrusive, overwhelming, and distracting to a vast majority of people. It can leave us feeling bogged down with information overload. Humane aims to restore the balance and make our devices less of a burden. Instead of enslaving us, devices should make us feel superhuman and empower us to do more. The company has been founded in 2018 by former Apple designers and engineers who greatly contributed to Apple’s success including the creation of the iPhone. Until recently, the company has maintained a secretive approach and only stated their ambitions online a few times. However, in May 2023, they exclusively previewed a prototype of their disappearing computer, which occasioned a Ted Talk. This video has put the company on the radar of the tech world. The CEO, Imran Chaudhri stated:

When tech disappears, we come back to our humanity.

This article explores how Humane has distinguished itself through its focus on ambient technology and human-first approach.

What sets Humane apart from the rest?

AMBIENT TECHNOLOGY

Humane’s promise is to build innovative tech that feels natural, familiar and human. The goal is to deliver products that put humans back in touch with themselves and their environment relying on good intentions and intuition, to make technology that improves the human experience. This would create experiences that are built on trust, with interactions that feel magical and bring joy. In fact, they believe they are the next shift between humans and computing calling it: the best human experience, ever. To achieve this, they are revisiting what is known as ambient technology, a term used to describe settings where humans use technology with little to no interaction with any screen or device. Meaning, no user interface would be needed but only a voice or a specific motion. The user interface will be the one humans don’t have to interface and should be powered by natural speech.

Ambient technology is feasible through Machine Learning as well as Computer Vision and are likely to be at the core of upcoming products. Machine learning is a way for computers to learn and improve on their own without being explicitly programmed. It involves using algorithms to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions or decisions based on that analysis. It is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence and has many practical applications such as image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. On the other hand, Computer Vision is about teaching computers to see and interpret images and videos like humans do.

In other words, the device could serve as an assistant capable of analyzing the user’s surroundings and context and could adapt to it without removing you from the real world.

During the TED talk, Humane CEO Imran Chaudhri previewed a laser projection system that can turn any surface into a display. This allows you to project information onto your hand and is meant to replace modern smartphones and tablets screens. He is able to see who’s calling and can answer or decline phone calls directly onto the palm of his hand.

In addition, the small wearable device is capable of translating your sentences into other languages with the same exact voice and intonation, thanks to Artificial Intelligence. In late June 2023, the San Francisco-based startup announced that they will be releasing it as their first ever device under the name Humane AI Pin which is expected to come out later in this year.

From holographic user interfaces to advanced human personal assistant controlled by speech. It is safe to say they won’t release any device with screens in the same way we know them today.

HUMAN AND COMMUNITY FIRST APPROACH

Humane's community-first approach is facilitated through Discord, a platform that centralizes community interaction. It acts as a hub for brand enthusiasts, allowing them to discuss topics of interest and connect with members from across the world. This youthful approach fosters a close relationship between the Humane team and supporters of the brand and tech enthusiasts, making the startup team close to humans.

To strengthen their connection with the community and receive feedback, Humane interacts with its audience via Discord. While this approach differs from that of other established institutions, we are observing more new startups and brands embracing interactions with their communities.

Furthermore, it is an opportunity for them to get constant reality checks with like-minded people and sparks live conversations around Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Design while building a loyal, dedicated, and engaged community.

Their vision is supported by many investors who lead the startup to raise $230M in total funding. Not only did they secured a decent financial capital, but Humane has also hired many former Apple employees. They were interested and intrigued enough to leave the Cupertino firm being known for its human-centred, simple and intuitive products, for a new visionary startup. These employees have majorly contributed to Apple, making it the first Trillion dollar company. What could stop Humane to be the next big thing?

This era could bring ambient computing to the world, meaning technology will fade into the background and may entirely disappear and could be activated by voice command, specific motions and events.

Humane appears to be working on something truly extraordinary for them to be able to poach this many former Apple employees. With the recent preview of their disappearing computer and the upcoming release of their first device, the Humane AI Pin, the company is making waves in the tech industry. Their community-first approach, use of Discord to interact with supporters and having some of the best resources from the most prominent company in the world is also a unique aspect of the company. As technology continues to evolve, Humane is at the forefront of creating a better human experience and promised to offer a fun and fresh perspective on building innovative technology and leveraging a community.

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