Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is the face of the tech world. The technology exploded when OpenAI took over the internet in 2022 with none other than ChatGPT, the most popular chatbot on the planet.
Despite the hardware’s revolutionary impact, the GenAI hardware industry has proven to be lacking and left buyers with fewer options this holiday season. Here’s the analysis of the current landscape and some early adopters might want to consider it.
Challenges Facing Current GenAI Hardware
Innovation is lagging behind
While startups and tech giants have invested heavily in developing AI tools, delivering hardware that fully integrates GenAI has proven to be a challenge. As CNBC According to reports, CES 2024 showed off some promising devices that made headlines: Humane’s AI pin and Rabbit’s r1, but these products failed due to slow processing and reliability issues .
Technical challenges
The main stumbling block is the advanced silicon chip that supports GenAI tasks. Most GenAI devices cannot even reach the performance levels seen in smartphones and are not accepted by their consumers.
Expensive and difficult to use
Many GenAI devices are expensive and have not yet clearly explained the benefits they bring to the user. Machines often require their Internet connection to be enabled, adding usability issues where networks are still poor.
Best Generative AI Devices You Can Try in 2024
Despite all the obstacles, a few companies have just launched devices containing GenAI features. Here are three notable options to choose from:
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
The meta second generation smart glasses offer more than style. With built-in AI, these glasses allow users to take photos, listen to music, and even receive real-time assistance with the Meta AI digital assistant.
Another impressive feature is environmental scanning and providing information, such as recommending recipes while shopping. Price: Starts at $239.20 (on sale until December 2).
Rabbit r1
The Rabbit r1 is an extremely compact and colorful device packed with GenAI-based features: voice memos, task management, and past conversation recall.
Despite early criticism regarding performance issues, Rabbit has released several updates to improve functionality. Cost: $200, or free shipping with $15 off if purchased before December 4.
Bee by Bee AI
The Bee looks like a smartwatch and serves as a personal assistant by summarizing voice memos, creating to-do lists, and syncing with health tools and Gmail accounts.
Basic features are free, but premium features cost $15 per month. To celebrate Black Friday, the company is offering three months of free service. It is priced at $49.99 with premium add-ons.
What awaits us in the future?
Experts expect GenAI hardware to be very limited until at least 2025, after which improvements in chips and device features are expected to expand the list of possibilities.
For now, even though GenAI is just an emerging hobby, the devices offer a taste of what will eventually be possible with AI-enabled gadgets.
Safe practices for purchasing AI gadgets
- Browse reviews to get customer insight into functionality and reliability.
- Check what data the device is accessing and limit permissions if necessary.
- Make sure your devices have the latest software to maximize security and performance.
Even though the GenAI revolution has not yet reached its full potential, early adopters can explore these emerging technologies to experience the future for themselves.