The excitement surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) wearables continues to grow, particularly with the recent unveiling of Omi by Based Hardware at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This intriguing device promises to enhance productivity while challenging conventional notions of how we interact with technology. Unlike many of its competitors that aim to replace smartphones or act solely as AI companions, Omi positions itself as a complementary tool designed to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
Omi is making waves with its innovative design and functionality. Resembling a small orb reminiscent of a candy, Omi can be worn as a necklace, offering a non-intrusive way to stay connected with an AI assistant. Users activate the device with a simple verbal command: “Hey Omi.” What sets Omi apart, however, is its potential for attachment to the side of the user’s head, utilizing a form of “brain interface” that aims to discern when the user is directing their speech towards it, even without activating specific wake words. This technology, while ambitious, raises questions about its practicality and effectiveness, especially as similar concepts have stumbled in the past.
Interesting little tidbit in Omi’s journey relates to its name. Originally branded as “Friend”, the device underwent a rebranding after another San Francisco company released a competing product, also named Friend, and purchased the domain name for a staggering $1.8 million. This situation nudged founder Nik Shevchenko to reconsider his branding approach and ultimately settle on Omi, a name that is both unique and memorable.
Marketing the device efficiently has been a priority for Shevchenko, who has leveraged the startup’s funding, estimated at $700,000, to create promotional material that showcases Omi’s capabilities. Despite the costs, which included a $150,000 investment in promotional videos shot in Los Angeles, Shevchenko stands firmly behind the strategy. As he conceives it, an expansive user base is essential for Omi’s growth and functionality: “The more people that know about us, the better the product becomes,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of user engagement in an ecosystem built on an open-source foundation.
Omi’s impressive array of features promises to function seamlessly in daily life. The wearable is designed to assist users in various tasks, such as responding to inquiries, summarizing conversations, managing to-do lists, and assisting in scheduling meetings. It runs on advanced AI technology powered by GPT-4o, which allows it to interpret the context of user interactions and offer tailored advice.
However, as with any device that remains perpetually attentive and “always listening,” privacy concerns are likely to arise. In response to these valid apprehensions, Shevchenko built Omi on an open-source platform. This transparency allows users to track their data usage and even choose to store their information locally. Such measures are increasingly essential in today’s technology landscape, where personal privacy is often at the forefront of consumer concerns.
Demonstrating a commitment to community and developer involvement, the Omi platform enables developers to create applications tailored to the device. Already, over 250 applications have been developed for Omi, suggesting a robust ecosystem is forming around this new wearable technology. This level of flexibility is a critical component of Shevchenko’s vision, aiming to ensure that Omi remains relevant and adaptable to user needs.
Furthermore, the launch of the Omi device is set for Q2 of 2025, retailing at $89 for the consumer version, while a developer version is available for around $70 immediately. This pricing strategy reflects a deliberate attempt to make the technology accessible to a broader audience, particularly aspiring developers eager to engage with the platform right out of the gate.
While there’s a considerable buzz around Omi, its potential risks shouldn’t be overlooked. The effectiveness of the brain interface is yet to be evaluated on a larger scale, and the company’s ambitious vision might encounter hurdles as they work to broaden their user base and refine their technology. Consumer skepticism about AI products, particularly those labeled as innovative, may also murky the path forward.
Omi stands as a remarkable prospect within the landscape of AI wearables, embodying innovative features and an openness that resonates with a growing tech-savvy audience. Whether Omi can transcend the pitfalls that have felled other AI devices remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly evokes excitement about the future of personal technology. As the dust settles from its CES launch, only time will reveal whether Omi’s promises will be fully realized.