Plaud, a hardware manufacturer, has unveiled its latest AI notetaker, the Plaude NotePin S, and an accompanying desktop application designed to assist with note-taking during digital meetings. This launch precedes the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) taking place in Las Vegas this year.
Following the initial release of its pin-style notetaker in 2024, which was highly praised by my former colleague Brian Heater, the new pin iteration incorporates a physical button for convenient recording initiation and termination. Furthermore, while recording, users can tap this button to mark specific points of interest, a feature also present in the recently introduced Plaud Note Pro.
A notable advantage of the $179 Plaud NotePin S is its inclusive package, which provides a clip, a lanyard, a magnetic pin, and a wristband, offering versatile wearing options. Additionally, the company is integrating Apple Find My functionality into the pin, enabling users to locate the device effortlessly should it be misplaced.
The device maintains the core specifications of its predecessor, featuring 64GB of internal storage and a battery life supporting 20 hours of continuous recording. Equipped with two MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphones, it can capture distinct audio within a 9.8-foot radius. Users are allotted 300 minutes of free transcription monthly and
In contrast to the Note Pro, this device offers a more limited recording range and reduced battery longevity. However, its more compact form factor makes it easier to transport with the aforementioned accessories. Plaud indicates that this pin is ideal for individuals with active, mobile lifestyles.
This marks Plaud’s fourth device, with the company having sold over 1.5 million units to date. While previous devices primarily targeted in-person meetings, Plaud is now venturing into the digital meeting space with a new desktop client designed to rival existing notetakers such as Granola, Fathom, and Fireflies. This application is capable of identifying active meetings and prompting users to record the transcript.
The Mac application utilizes system audio to record meeting content, subsequently structuring the transcription into organized notes with the aid of AI. Last year, the company incorporated multimodal input capabilities into its app, enabling users to include images and typed notes alongside audio transcriptions. Plaud is now extending this feature to its new desktop application.