Wearable AI. Will it change what we do?
Updated: Aug 30
(Short answer: yes)
Wearable AI is Moving Fast
New wearable AI devices are hitting the market - and upgrading. There is a lot say about but the proof is seeing this AI in action. Click, watch, and be amazed!!
AI Glasses
There are a few brands, but the two big names right now are Meta and Google.
Meta’s AI glasses
Meta has partnered with Ray Ban and to make schmick glasses that retail from AU$450. You may have seen the ad with Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt…but the banana got more airtime than the tech. These glasses can record, stream, and integrate with AI for real time responses.
Google’s AI glasses
Google’s glasses are still a prototype, but they have a visual display in the lens, which means that you can have information like subtitles or a map in your vision. But they are not released for sale yet, and Meta are always upgrading. Time will tell which model dominates!
These devices are equal parts exciting and concerning. There are huge privacy issues. Of course, the companies say all your data is protected. But I trusted Qantas and recently received the email “Confirmation of your details impacted by the cyber incident”.
However, the potential to help people is very exciting:
Hearing loss. Real time subtitles - imagine any level of hearing loss and being able to read what someone is saying
Vision Impairment. Ask questions about what you are seeing through AI glasses, which is amazing for visual impairment. And yes - you can add your normal glasses prescription to these frames.
Translation. Translates languages in real time, which will enhance care for all.
AI Microphones
Plaud
Plaud is a note taker. It has a pin you can wear, or a card shaped attachment for your phone. It costs AU$270 for the device with 300 minutes of transcriptions included in a month. That is just five one hour meetings in the month. After this point you also need to buy a subscription for further transcriptions - which is AU$400 a year.
Bee
Currently Bee is only in the US and sells for a much lower price point of US$50 with a a subscription of US$20 a month. This AI is next level. It is worn all day gets listening to your conversations and tracking where you are (which is creepy - but arguably what your smart phone is already doing)!
Limitless
Another microphone AI designed for all day wear. This AI can give reminders and to-do lists, but can also advise peronsal improvements. Here the user asks Limitless how to be a better boss or parent based on what the AI has heard! This is a really interesting application of the tech. It costs US$399 a year for the pendant and an unlimited monthly plan.
The applications of wearable AI are endless:
Pragmatics - real time conversational analysis and feedback
Language - real time explanations and simplification of auditory and visual information
Cognition - memory aids
Dementia - an accurate record of what has happened during the day
Voice Memos
You may use Voice Memos all the time. The standard Voice Memos app on your phone and was upgraded at the end of last year. The transcription feature is excellent and is free. For those with an Apple watch, using the shortcut makes it very accessible. This app is a huge time saver for transcribing language samples which are an important component of assessments, but used to be very time consuming.
Practical Takeaways
Driving and thinking about work?
Say “Hey Siri, open voice memos”
Then “Hey Siri, start a voice memo”.
Totally hands-free recording and transcription while you are driving. Also useful for the insomniacs with things on their mind. Make a to-do list while talking to voice memos and not looking at blue light from your screen!
Bonus Tip
Pick one of your caseload groups ask AI:
I am a speech pathologist working with [describe caseload group]. Please suggest practical ways that wearable AI could improve their communication”
For example:
I am a speech pathologist working with young adults in their 20s with traumatic brain injuries. Can you please makes some practical suggestions of how wearable AI devices may help their communication?
After entering that prompt and I received an extended response with the following suggestion: If you’d like, I can also make a table matching each wearable AI function to common TBI communication challenges so you can use it for therapy planning. That way you’d have a clear “challenge → device feature → therapy goal” reference.
Want to Learn More?
Your team can book a practical AI workshop with SPLASH.
Allied health teams of speech pathologists, dietitians, and occupational therapists have told us:🗨️ “I’m inspired!”🗨️ “Got me thinking about endless practical possibilities!”🗨️ “Engaging and fun, the workshop was both insightful and enjoyable.”
Until next time,Megan
from
SPLASH
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