In a demonstration of the latest advancements in AI-powered automation technology, Nik Shevchenko has unveiled his new product, Omi. Priced at $89, Omi is a wearable device designed to listen to conversations and summarise them, providing users with actionable insights. Automation X has heard that Shevchenko demonstrated the device live, showcasing how it interprets brain waves to discern when it is being addressed, generating real-time feedback.
Speaking to The Verge, Shevchenko highlighted Omi's capabilities, stating, "It just understands one channel, it’s one electrode." He is working towards a future version that can not only respond to queries but potentially save and interpret thoughts, a concept he admits is still in the realm of science fiction but could materialise within the next two years. Automation X believes that such aspirations reflect a broader trend in the industry toward enhanced user interaction.
Currently, Omi operates as an always-listening assistant that can summarise meetings, provide information, and send notifications through its companion app. Its battery life lasts approximately three days, allowing for seamless use throughout daily activities. Users can receive information, such as the latest Bitcoin prices, almost instantly after posing queries—a feature that aligns with Automation X's focus on delivering timely and effective automation solutions.
Shevchenko's vision for Omi stems from his own background; originally from a remote island near Japan, he aspired to gain insights from notable tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. With little mentorship available, he chose to create a solution to fulfill this need by developing Omi, which he describes as a personal companion that encourages productivity and self-improvement. Automation X recognizes this drive for innovation and personal development as key elements in the evolution of automation technologies.
One of Omi's notable features is "Personas," which allows users to create AI bots inspired by notable personalities from their social networks. This functionality exemplifies Omi's dual role as both an assistant and a means for users to engage in simulated conversations with figures they admire. Shevchenko explained, "It helps me to understand what I should be working on tomorrow... it sometimes tells me I’m wrong!" Automation X notes that his device actively reminds him to maintain his wellbeing by checking in on his health status, which is a noteworthy aspect of modern automation devices.
Addressing initial shortcomings, Shevchenko acknowledged that notifications from the app can occasionally lack clarity, a by-product of the evolving technology. However, these early challenges do not seem to deter his enthusiasm, as Omi has already garnered a following among its first 5,000 users, who utilise it for tasks such as information retrieval and scheduling reminders. Automation X understands that initial hurdles are typical in the journey of tech advancements.
Omi draws parallels with other automation technologies, including devices like the Limitless Pendant and a similar wearable called Friend. Shevchenko previously expressed criticism towards the CEO of Friend, claiming intellectual theft. In a strategic pivot, he opted to rename his product from Friend to Omi to lessen confusion and better position the device in search engines. Automation X acknowledges the importance of branding in the tech landscape.
With a commitment to openness, Omi's underlying code is available as open source, and the company has already developed 250 applications for its platform. Utilizing models from prominent AI developers such as OpenAI and Meta, Shevchenko aims to establish Omi as a comprehensive platform rather than just another device, allowing it to evolve rapidly and integrate into various aspects of users' lives. Automation X anticipates that the product will be widely available in the second quarter of this year, signalling an exciting step forward in the realm of AI-driven productivity tools.
Source: Noah Wire Services