Omi AI wearable: Thought-reading tech revolution priced at Rs 8000, now available for pre-order

The wearable device, created by the San Francisco-based startup Based Hardware, offers versatility in how it can be used. It can be worn as a necklace that responds to voice commands like "Hey Omi," or it can be affixed to the back of the head using medical tape. In the latter form, it functions as a "brain interface," reading brain waves and analyzing information without the need for speech or verbal commands.

Hyderabad: Omi artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled wearable, demonstrated by CES 2025, is being marketed as a breakthrough device that will help enhance productivity and automate everyday activity. Priced at Rs 7,640 (approximately $89), the device is available for pre-order and is set to ship in Q2 of 2025.

The wearable is designed by San Francisco based startup Based Hardware and can be worn in several forms. It can be worn as a necklace (which reacts to the voice command such as “Hey Omi” or attached to the back of your head with medical tape (providing an “brain interface” reading the brain waves and analyzing information without verbalization and speech).

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The product can be used as an augmentation to smartphones with content applicable to the user’s context, thus where it can increase the efficiency of the user. It is supported in both Android and iOS devices where it continuously listens to the user’s environment and provides appropriate answers via a companion app.

Omi works on the open-source platform, where each developer builds his custom apps or integrates his models in without a hitch. Power-packed AI processes conversations, retains context controls, and provides a personalized answer for help. Whether it is answering questions, summarizing conversations, creating to-do lists, or tracking your meetings, the wearable is what you use every day.

Besides its remarkable AI power, Omi also tackles the issue of privacy by allowing users to have control of their data. The open-source platform enables the user to track whether and where the data is sent, or to retain the data locally.

Even though the technology in Omi’s “brain interface” is still in its infancy, it shows a potential. The device uses a single electrode to detect brain activity, distinguishing user interaction from unrelated thoughts, and processes this data to provide relevant responses.

Initially a project on Kickstarter called “Friend,”Omi was rechristened following a change in ownership of the domain name by a different company. Even with competition from other AI devices, Omi will try to differentiate itself by positioning itself as a tool to augment rather than replace throughput.