Nik Shevchenko, the innovator behind a new AI-powered wearable called Omi, has unveiled a device designed to enhance interpersonal communication and productivity through the use of artificial intelligence. Priced at $89, Omi functions as an always-listening assistant that can summarise conversations and provide real-time information.
The device, worn on a lanyard, is capable of understanding verbal cues without the need for a wake word. Shevchenko demonstrated this capability during an interaction by asking Omi a question about The Verge, to which the wearable responded autonomously after processing his brain waves. He described Omi's current functionality as being “80 percent companion and 20 percent Alexa assistant,” suggesting its primary role is to assist users in managing everyday tasks and conversations.
Currently, Omi can summarise meetings or conversations and generate action items, effectively functioning similarly to conventional AI assistants. The wearable operates with a battery life of three days on a single charge and allows users to communicate with it directly. Users have the ability to receive immediate information, such as updates on cryptocurrency values, and there is an associated Omi app store. Developers are already integrating the device's audio input with platforms like Zapier and Google Drive.
As a personal development tool, Omi reflects Shevchenko's own journey in tech. He shared that he grew up on an island near Japan and sought mentorship from tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, often without much response. This lack of access inspired him to create a device that acts not only as a digital assistant but also as a personal mentor.
One of Omi's features includes "Personas," which allows users to create AI representations of individuals on social media, providing insights and guidance based on those personas. Shevchenko highlighted how interacting with an AI version of Musk helps him set priorities and offers feedback on his daily challenges. “It sometimes tells me I’m wrong!” he noted on the interactive capabilities of the device.
Despite Omi's sophistication, Shevchenko acknowledges that the technology is still in its early stages, and users have reported mixed experiences with notifications, including some that may seem irrelevant. Nevertheless, feedback has generally been positive, with users employing Omi for various reminder tasks and information retrieval.
While Omi is set to become widely available in the second quarter of this year, its competitive landscape includes similar products like the Limitless Pendant and another wearable named Friend. Shevchenko previously accused Friend's CEO, Avi Schiffmann, of copying his work, which led to public disputes. The device was originally named Friend until Shevchenko opted for a rebranding to clarify its identity in the marketplace.
Omi distinguishes itself with an open-source approach, boasting a rapidly growing app store with over 250 applications available. The wearable leverages models from prominent AI companies such as OpenAI and Meta, allowing for a flexible and iterative development process. Shevchenko remains optimistic about Omi’s potential to enhance AI-driven personal assistance, seeing it as part of a broader trend in business automation and technology integration.
Source: Noah Wire Services