While some companies chase costly, high-concept always-on AI wearables, a San Francisco-based startup has opted for a more budget-friendly alternative: the $89 OmiGPT.

OmiGPT is an open-source wireless wearable device about the size of a silver dollar. Made from lightweight aluminum, it features 64GB of storage and connects to OpenAI's ChatGPT via API. The device can be worn on the wrist or as a necklace.

Despite its compact size, it offers users a continuous connection to ChatGPT—processing conversations and data online while saving information locally when offline. OmiGPT claims the device is context-aware, able to interpret users' surroundings, interactions, and queries using sensors and AI, responding accordingly.

The road to groundbreaking AI devices has been littered with missteps—from the problematic Humane AI Pin to the disappointing launch of Rabbit's R1. OmiGPT's founder, Nik Shevchenko, took a cautious approach. Instead of rushing to market, his team started with developer kits to validate real-world usage before targeting everyday consumers.

"We did things a bit differently. First, we only shipped developer kits," Shevchenko told Decrypt. "We wanted to confirm that the device was useful before shipping to consumers. Rabbit and Humane went straight to consumers—that’s the first big difference."

This careful rollout reflects a broader trend in wearable AI, where startups prioritize real-world utility over hype.

Shevchenko announced OmiGPT via X (formerly Twitter) in March.

Wearable technology is a growing sector in the tech industry. Companies like Meta, Rabbit, ByteDance, Cudis, and Limitless are developing AI-powered devices offering context-aware assistance. These gadgets adapt to the wearer’s environment, behavior, and real-time activities to provide personalized support.

The Humane AI Pin, launched in November 2023 for $699 as a potential smartphone replacement, was discontinued due to technical issues and poor sales. HP acquired Humane's assets for $116 million in February 2025.

The $199 Rabbit R1, a handheld AI assistant, initially underperformed but gradually improved through frequent software updates, enhancing features like the Large Action Model (LAM), Magic Camera, and generative UI. Even so, it still lags behind mainstream devices like tablets and smartphones.

Features and Availability

According to Omi's product page, OmiGPT can capture conversations, set reminders, translate speech, and mimic the user’s tone. It provides local or cloud storage with privacy controls and is open-source. The company says pre-orders will ship in Q2 2025.

"We see billions of users on ChatGPT, so we thought, why not help make it better?" said Shevchenko. "We connected our device directly to GPT. We didn’t even know it was possible—but it is."

Inside OmiGPT is a compact system built around a custom-printed circuit board. This board acts as the brain of the device, connecting and controlling components including the microphone, rechargeable battery, power switch, and USB-C charging port. These components are housed within a lightweight 3D-printed case.

Shevchenko noted that OmiGPT lacks a speaker, so there’s no concern about others hearing ChatGPT’s responses.

While OmiGPT can function without an active connection, its full capabilities unlock only after reconnecting. As Shevchenko explained, the device is most useful when syncing and processing data online.

"Even without the internet or a phone nearby, it can still record, but you gain real value only after reconnecting," Shevchenko said. "Let’s say you had an