A wave of AI voice recording devices, such as Omi, Bee, and Friend, have emerged, aiming to capture user voices for interaction with AI chatbots. While Bee was acquired by Amazon, and new devices like the Stream ring from Sandbar and an AI ring by former Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky are slated for release next year, the ultimate success of wearable AI devices remains uncertain.
In this competitive landscape, Plaud is flourishing by targeting professional users with a distinct strategy: a credit card-sized recording device that conveniently fits into a wallet. The company reports shipping over a million units, with more than 50% of its clientele converting to pro subscriptions.
The company’s newest version, the Plaud Note Pro, became available for pre-order in August, two years after its predecessor, priced at $179. After using the device for over a month, it has become an indispensable item in my daily essentials, thanks to its extremely slim profile.
Measuring just 0.12 inches thick—roughly the thickness of three credit cards stacked together—it stands as the thinnest AI recording device currently available, easily sliding into a wallet or magnetically attaching to the back of a phone.
Plaud includes a wallet-style pouch and a magnetic ring attachment for MagSafe-enabled phones, allowing the Note Pro to be securely mounted to the back of an iPhone or a compatible Android device. Weighing a mere 30 grams, the Note Pro is so light that its presence in your wallet is virtually unnoticeable.
A significant distinction between Plaud and other AI wearables is that the Note Pro operates independently, not requiring a connection to your phone for audio recording. The device boasts 64GB of internal storage, capable of holding extensive recordings without needing to transfer them to a phone or upload to the cloud.
The Plaud Note Pro features four MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphones designed to capture audio from all directions. While the stated effective audio range is 16.4 feet, I achieved excellent results recording talks at conferences even when seated far from the stage. The device also incorporates a voice processing unit for advanced noise suppression, voice isolation, and echo cancellation.
This recording device offers impressive battery longevity. I attended a conference earlier this month with a fully charged unit, recording several interviews and presentations. Subsequently, I used it for phone call recording and personal notes. Despite this extensive use, the device retained 55% charge after 15 days. The manufacturer claims it can deliver 30 hours of continuous recording and 60 days of standby on a single charge.
Plaud’s latest device comes with a proprietary charger that connects via a USB-C cable. A full charge from 0% takes two hours, providing enough power for at least a couple of weeks, unless you’re recording hours of content daily.
A common challenge with wearable AI devices is ensuring the recording status is clearly indicated. Fortunately, the Plaud Note Pro features a small screen that displays whether it’s recording or not. You can also press a button during a recording to mark a specific point, which will be prominently highlighted in the AI-generated summary. The screen also shows the remaining battery level.
Recording with this device involves deliberate action. It provides haptic feedback when starting and stopping recordings. The visual cue and the physical act of pressing the button also help signal to others in a meeting that the session is being recorded.
Users can opt to simply record sessions and export them to an alternative AI transcription service they subscribe to. Plaud offers 300 minutes of free native transcription each month. The company also allows customization of AI-generated notes using templates tailored for various professional profiles and tasks, with the option to create custom templates. The transcription accuracy is generally high, and recordings, transcripts, and notes are now accessible via a website. The company has also resolved the issue my former colleague Brian Heater encountered, where tapping a word would not play the corresponding audio segment.
While a pendant or pin form factor might seem more convenient for carrying, the card-sized recorder offers superior microphones and greater flexibility in placement. Investing in the $179 gadget is worthwhile for those who frequently attend in-person meetings.