Omi AI Wearable: The Brain-Interface Productivity Booster Challenging Friend
San Francisco-based startup Based Hardware unveiled its groundbreaking AI wearable, Omi, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Designed to enhance productivity through a unique “brain interface,” Omi is positioning itself as a formidable compe***** to the recently launched Friend device.
What Is Omi?
Omi is a compact, round AI assistant that can be worn in two ways:
- As a necklace, activated via voice command (“Hey Omi”)
- Attached to the side of the head using medical tape, leveraging a “brain interface” to detect user intent without wake words
Founded by Nik Shevchenko, a Thiel Fellow known for bold tech ventures, Based Hardware initially marketed the device as “Friend” before rebranding due to a naming conflict with another San Francisco startup.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Assistance: Runs on GPT-4o, answering questions, summarizing conversations, and managing schedules
- Context-Aware Memory: Personalizes responses based on user history
- Open-Source Platform: Allows developers to build custom apps (250+ already created)
- Privacy Controls: Users can opt for local data storage
Pricing & Availability
- Consumer Version: $89 (Shipping Q2 2025)
- Developer Kit: ~$70 (Available now)
The Brain Interface: How It Works
While unverified independently, Shevchenko demonstrated Omi’s brain interface by silently focusing on a question—without a wake word—and receiving a verbal response. The startup aims to refine this feature for seamless interaction.
Why Omi Stands Out
Unlike AI wearables positioning themselves as smartphone replacements (e.g., Rabbit, Humane), Omi is designed as a productivity-focused complement to existing devices.
Funding & Future Plans
Based Hardware has raised $700,000, with $150,000 allocated to high-production marketing campaigns. Shevchenko emphasizes that user growth fuels Omi’s open-source ecosystem, making adoption critical.
The Road Ahead
With AI wearables still seeking mainstream traction, Omi’s success hinges on proving its brain interface’s reliability and delivering tangible productivity gains. Will it outshine Friend and other compe*****s? Only time—and user feedback—will tell.
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