After the disappointing launch of its Ai Pin wearable device, San Francisco-based tech company Humane shifts its focus to CosmOS. It’s a new AI-powered operating system that promises to revolutionize how users rely on artificial intelligence to interact with their smart devices, including Apple’s.
That might remind folks of Steve Jobs’ long-ago move from Apple to NeXT, which ended up dropping hardware entirely and focusing on software.
Humane demonstrated CosmOS running across multiple platforms including car entertainment systems, smart speakers, TVs and smartphones in a new video Wednesday. The system aims to provide functionality similar to AI assistants like Siri, but appears more advanced, enabling complex, context-aware interactions across various devices.
After disappointing AI Pin wearable launch, Humane’s NeXT move is CosmOS software
The pivot from hardware to software comes as Humane faces challenges with its flagship Ai Pin product, released in November 2023 to universally poor reviews. Originally priced at $700, it recently saw a reduction to $500 amid reports of returns outpacing sales. The wearable device, intended to complement smartphones, failed to gain market traction despite considerable industry attention (much of it rather negative). Now Humane’s new video pushes CosmOS operating system software. Watch it below.
CosmOS might represent an evolution in AI assistant capabilities, potentially offering Apple users a more sophisticated alternative to Siri. The system demonstrates advanced natural language processing and multi-device coordination that could integrate with existing ecosystems. It appears to be voice-controlled, so users will have to talk to their devices.
In its demonstration video, Humane showcased several use cases:
- Vehicle integration: Users can control smart home features and manage schedules directly from their car, though the demo showed blurred logos and included disclaimers about available functionality.
- Entertainment systems: The platform can process complex queries about content playing on TV, such as providing statistics about athletes on screen. In the demo, the user didn’t even have to name the player he asked about. CosmOS knew it from context.
- Smart home control: Users can manage multiple home-automation tasks through natural conversation.
- Smartphone integration: Similar to Apple’s recent previews of enhanced Siri capabilities with Apple Intelligence, CosmOS can understand screen content and interact with calendar applications.
Watch Humane’s CosmOS video:
Potential ecosystem of AI-powered apps
The system’s architecture is based on the same technology powering Humane’s Ai Pin. The company described as an “intelligent conductor” that coordinates various AI models, datasets and services. Humane claims the system will offer third-party developers the ability to integrate their “agents, data, and services.” That could create a rich ecosystem of AI-powered applications.
However, industry observers note that the demonstration appears more like a proof-of-concept than a market-ready product. The video includes multiple disclaimers about “simulated experiences” and “working prototypes.” Several device logos appear blurred out, suggesting partner agreements may not yet be in place.
The SDK (Software Development Kit) for CosmOS is currently listed as “coming soon” on Humane’s website, with interested developers able to sign up for future access. The company has not announced any official partnerships for device integration, leaving questions about when and how the technology might become available to consumers.
For Apple users, CosmOS represents an intriguing glimpse into the future of AI assistance, potentially offering more sophisticated interactions than current solutions. The platform’s focus on natural language processing and contextual awareness aligns with Apple’s own direction for Siri and device integration, though it remains to be seen whether Humane can successfully bring this vision to market.
Is Humane trying to attract a buyer?
Some analysts suggest that Humane’s pivot to CosmOS might be part of a larger strategy to attract potential buyers, with previous reports indicating the company had been exploring acquisition possibilities, including discussions with HP. With its substantial funding and innovative technology, Humane could be positioning CosmOS as an attractive acquisition target for larger tech companies looking to enhance their AI capabilities.
As the AI assistant landscape continues to evolve, CosmOS represents an ambitious attempt to create a more intuitive and capable interaction layer between users and their devices. Whether through direct market entry or acquisition, Humane’s technology could influence the future of how Apple users interact with their growing ecosystem of smart devices.
