Juggling multiple responsibilities often leads to forgotten details. Recalling the specifics of meetings, calls, or even casual conversations can be challenging. Imagine having a personal assistant constantly recording, transcribing, and highlighting crucial information. The Plaud NotePin, an AI-powered gadget, aims to fulfill this role. After several weeks of use, I can confidently say it excels in key areas, making it a valuable tool for specific individuals.
Plaud NotePin: Specifications and Design
Plaud NotePin in wrist strap in the hand
The Plaud NotePin is a pill-shaped evolution of the wallet-style Plaud Note. While the original Note used MagSafe for iPhone attachment, the NotePin offers a more versatile and accessible design. Its compact dimensions (51 x 21 x 11 mm) and lightweight build (25 grams) make it incredibly portable. Key specifications include dual MEMS microphones, a 270 mAh battery providing 40 days of standby or 20 hours of continuous recording, 64GB of storage, and compatibility with powerful LLMs like ChatGPT-4o and Claude 3.5. It also supports multiple speakers across 59 languages.
Initially, the NotePin’s purpose might seem redundant, especially given existing recording apps and AI summaries on smartphones. However, unlike other AI devices like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1, the NotePin seamlessly integrates into daily life, discreetly transcribing conversations throughout the day.
Charging pins on the Plaud NotePin
The NotePin’s capsule design features a magnetic rear cover protecting the charging pins, which connect to a proprietary USB-C charging dock. Two lanyard holes accommodate the included necklace or other attachments. A small LED indicator and a capacitive button are located on the front. While the LED is reasonably bright, visibility can be challenging in bright conditions. The capacitive button, however, requires some getting used to and can be tricky to activate consistently.
Plaud NotePin accessory kit
Currently bundled with an accessory kit, the NotePin can be worn as a necklace, on a lapel, or as a wristband. The magnetic cover also allows for easy attachment to clothing. This kit enhances the NotePin’s practicality and ensures it’s always readily available.
Performance and Battery Life: Exceeding Expectations
Close up of the Plaud NotePin with magnetic cover attached at an angle
The 290mAh battery delivers impressive longevity, providing up to 40 days of standby time or 20 hours of continuous recording. In real-world usage, it comfortably records for a full workday, potentially lasting two days for those with standard nine-to-five schedules. Charging is relatively quick, with a full charge taking about two hours and a 15-minute charge providing several hours of recording time.
Plaud NotePin box and accessory kit box
The NotePin’s strength lies in its simplicity and focused functionality. The dual microphones effectively capture audio even in moderately noisy environments, though performance may suffer in excessively loud settings. File transfer is efficient, with Bluetooth offering speeds of 35-45 Kbps for smaller files and Wi-Fi providing significantly faster transfer rates for larger recordings.
AI-Powered Features: Transforming Recorded Audio
Plaud NotePin capsule on a shelf
The Plaud NotePin’s hardware complements its AI capabilities. The accompanying app offers transcription, summarization, and mind-mapping functionalities. While these features may not be as valuable for short recordings, their utility shines through with longer recordings covering multiple topics.
Three screenshots showing the AI-powered summaries feature on the Plaud NotePin
For instance, a three-hour-and-39-minute recording of various appointments and conversations yielded a highly useful summary, highlighting key action points, takeaways, and even suggesting areas requiring clarification. The transcription process is remarkably fast, even for lengthy recordings.
Three screenshots showing the template options for the AI-powered summaries feature on the Plaud NotePin
The standard version offers 300 minutes of monthly transcription, while the Pro version ($79/year) provides 1,200 minutes. This limitation necessitates mindful recording habits, especially for those who anticipate extensive use.
Ideal Use Cases and Availability
Three screenshots showing the template options for the AI-powered summaries feature on the Plaud NotePin
The Plaud NotePin offers significant value for specific professions. Salespeople, doctors, and real estate agents can benefit from its discreet recording capabilities, allowing them to capture crucial information without overtly using their phones. Its hands-free operation also makes it an ideal companion for drivers.
Plaud NotePin in wrist strap close up
The Plaud NotePin is available for pre-order at $169, including the accessory kit, unlimited cloud storage, and access to select AI features. It’s available in Lunar Silver, Cosmic Gray, and Sunset Purple.
Should You Buy the Plaud NotePin?
Plaud NotePin on a wrist
The Plaud NotePin transcends the label of “just another AI gadget.” It fulfills its intended purpose effectively, offering a practical solution for capturing and processing important information. While its value may vary depending on individual needs, it’s a compelling tool for those who frequently struggle to recall details from conversations or work in professions requiring detailed note-taking. For me, the Plaud NotePin is a worthwhile investment and a valuable addition to my workflow.
