At the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, Based Hardware, a tech startup from San Francisco, introduced Omi, an affordable AI wearable designed to boost productivity and make interacting with technology easier. Priced at $89, Omi is not just another gadget—it’s a glimpse into the future, with plans to read brain activity in upcoming versions.
What Makes Omi Unique?
Omi has a sleek, minimalist look, resembling a mint from a Mentos pack. You can wear it as a necklace or attach it to your head with medical tape for a futuristic “brain interface” experience. The first version works with audio only, but in mid-2025, Based Hardware plans to release a brain-interface module. This upgrade will allow Omi to interpret signals from your brain, making it more intuitive to use.
How Does Omi Work?
The device uses advanced AI powered by GPT-4o to listen to your voice and respond without needing a wake word like “Hey Omi.” It can:
- Take notes during meetings.
- Create to-do lists.
- Answer questions.
- Provide personalized advice by remembering details about you.
Omi’s battery lasts up to three days, making it a practical companion for everyday use.
The upcoming brain-interface module will add a new layer of functionality. With a single electrode, Omi will try to read brain signals to understand when you’re interacting with it versus random thoughts. While this feature is still in development, it offers a sneak peek at how technology might evolve to be even more integrated into daily life.
Privacy and Ethical Concerns
A device that can potentially read thoughts raises understandable privacy concerns. To address this, founder Nik Shevchenko emphasized Omi’s open-source design. Users can choose where their data is stored, such as locally on their device, or see exactly where it’s sent. This approach aims to provide transparency and reduce fears of misuse.
How Does Omi Compare to Other Gadgets?
Omi isn’t trying to replace smartphones but instead works alongside them to enhance productivity. Unlike other AI wearables that overpromise and underdeliver, Omi focuses on complementing existing technology.
The device also has an app store, allowing developers to create custom applications for Omi. This feature could turn it into a versatile platform for personal AI assistance.
The Bigger Picture
Devices that interact with thoughts aren’t new, but Omi’s focus on affordability and open-source ethics sets it apart. It has already generated buzz online, with some people excited about its potential and others raising concerns about ethics and practicality.
Whether it’s summarizing your day, creating a to-do list, or offering a glimpse into a future of thought-controlled technology, Omi might be a game-changer.
Links
Demo Video: