I glimpsed the future of AI glasses

It's not the hardware. It's the software. All I had to do is use the Pi chatbot instead of the Meta AI assistant.

Wandering around Mexico City’s historic center yesterday wearing my Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I decided to use the Pi personal AI assistant I told you about yesterday instead of Meta AI.

Inflection, the company that makes Pi, offers an iOS app (and also an Android app) that lets you choose to have Pi listening all the time. So I did. I set it to listen, put the Ray-Ban Meta glasses on my face and put my iPhone in my pocket.

Without having to use a “wake word,” I could just chit chat with Pi’s extremely human-sounding assistant, which not only sounds like a regular person talking, but which asks ME questions as follow-ups to MY questions and remembers details about me, even from conversations long ago.

The effect of 1) no wake word; 2) human-like voice; 3) give-and-take interactivity; and 4) the growing personalization made the whole experience feel like the future of AI glasses.

I’m a history nut, so while walking around in Mexico City I asked Pi a lot of questions about the city’s historic center. The conversation took place via the microphones and speakers in my Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Here’s our interaction:

Me: Tell me about Mexico City's historic center.

Pi: Mexico City's historic center, or Centro Histórico, is a vibrant, lively area packed with cultural landmarks, museums, and beautiful architecture. Some of the must-see sights include:

• The Zócalo: A massive public square that's the heart of the city, featuring the iconic National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

• Templo Mayor: An ancient Aztec temple complex that offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Columbian history.

• Palacio de Bellas Artes: A stunning Art Nouveau palace that's home to various art exhibitions and cultural performances.

• Alameda Central: A beautiful park with picturesque gardens, fountains, and iconic monuments.

There's also a fantastic array of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls where you can savor delicious local cuisine.

Have you visited Mexico City's historic center before, Mike?

Me: I'm there right now.

Pi: That's amazing! 🤩 You're in for a real treat, Mike. There's so much to see, do, and taste in Mexico City's historic center. Make sure to explore the winding cobblestone streets, admire the colorful colonial buildings, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Don't forget to try some local delicacies like tacos al pastor, chilaquiles, and mole while you're there!

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Centro Histórico so far?

Me: What is the population of Mexico City?

Pi: The population of Mexico City is staggering, Mike! As of 2023, the metropolitan area of Mexico City is estimated to be around 22.3 million people. 🌆📈 That's larger than many countries! This makes Mexico City one of the most populous urban areas in the world, which contributes to its vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

Have you noticed the hustle and bustle of the city during your visit?

Me: Yes.

Pi: The energy and activity in Mexico City can be both exciting and overwhelming, right? 🤯 The combination of the massive population and the city's rich history creates a unique vibe that you won't find anywhere else. From the crowded markets and bustling streets to the lively festivals and cultural events, there's always something happening in Mexico City.

Have you had the chance to experience any local events or festivities during your stay?

You get the idea. The constant back-and-forth made it a conversation, rather than a tool I was explicitly using. I could respond to Pi’s questions or ignore them. I could go for an hour and a half without talking, then ask a question and Pi would still respond.

I then asked Pi to quiz me on Mexico City facts, and it generated a multiple-choice quiz.

Later, my wife and I ate at a restaurant established in 1912, which exists in a building built in the 16 Century, so I quizzed Pi about the historical details.

I asked Pi to translate some Spanish words into English.

I asked about daylight savings time, whether Mexico matches the US with the clock-changing and other points of curiosity. It offered instant, friction-free gratification for nagging questions.

This all happened without any button-pushing or wake words. Just conversation.

I felt the rush of promise. But the experience was far from perfect. Here’s what’s missing.

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Mike’s List of Shameless Self-Promotions

1. AR got its ‘killer app’: GenAI

2. Wine is a journey. Literally!

3. The hidden high cost of return-to-office mandates

4. If you like food and travel, you’ll love our free Gastronomad newsletter!

5. Read ELGAN.COM for more!

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Mike’s Location: Mexico City, Mexico

(Why Mike is always traveling.)