Controversial Ai Pin: The Next MacBook?

The latest futuristic artificial intelligence wearable device - Ai Pin is attracting all attention, not because the first batch of products has reached the hands of users, but because many user reviews have criticized and thoroughly destroyed this product.

This raises a question: should a first breakthrough in technology be criticized so harshly?

Harsh criticism?

This environmental computing interactive device, or Ai Pin that can be worn on clothes or bags, can perform a series of functions. From answering calls, reading messages, taking photos, or simply serving as a voice-operated personal assistant, this wearable device was delivered to the first batch of users last week.

However, this device, which was supposed to replace smartphones, did not receive the same level of praise in user reviews as its demo videos did.

Many electronic product reviewers, including well-known YouTubers, called it "bad" and even the "worst-reviewed product." Some prominent issues include long delays, imperfect intonation, and even hallucinations. However, the biggest issue is the price point.

Although the pin's packaging price is $699, customers will end up spending $1700 after adding subscription fees and other costs.

While such criticism may seem overly harsh, this phenomenon is not new.

History repeats itself

When Apple launched the first MacBook in 2006, the product received severe criticism. The initial polycarbonate MacBook version had issues such as unexpected shutdowns and discoloration of palm rests. Interestingly, Apple has always been subject to criticism.

The iPad was initially seen as a "larger iPod touch," and its practicality and potential success were questioned. Even the iPhone did not escape criticism when it first debuted. One of the main concerns at the time was the lack of features like a physical keyboard and a replaceable battery, which were common in other phones at the time.

The relatively new spatial computing device, Apple Vision Pro, also faced setbacks as many users returned the product. However, new use cases for the device continue to emerge.

Interestingly, Ai Pin's founders, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, were former design director and software engineer at Apple, and the criticism they received is strikingly similar to Apple's.

Criticism of new products stems from immature technology, which always takes time to address. The initial stage is when product iterations correct issues. Problems like delays may be resolved in future versions of Ai Pin.

After its release, Ai Pin sparked a lot of discussion, with some users criticizing the product, while others fully supported it. Mark Anderson, the founder of American entrepreneur and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, expressed support for this new technology.

A user on X said, "For someone like me who finds it difficult to remember details, make lists, manage calendars, and prefers verbal thinking, it will be a game-changer. Of course, it has some issues now, but can you imagine what it will be like in 10 years?"

Looking at the problem from different perspectives

Although the product has been criticized, MKBHD responded with another video, explaining the reasons behind the negative reviews of Ai Pin. He also asked, "Do bad reviews kill a company or do bad products kill a company?" This is a question that only time can answer.

It may be too early to question an innovative new product now, as use cases are just beginning to emerge. Furthermore, the production of innovative devices will not stop. Just yesterday, Nothing launched headphones integrated with ChatGPT, allowing users to have conversations with it through pinch gestures.

It may make more sense to review and evaluate a product after some time. After all, as Steve Jobs once said, "Until you show it to people, they don't know what they want." In the case of Ai Pin, even after being given to them, people may still be unsure of what they want.