Background

Advances in artificial intelligence have opened new possibilities for wearable technology beyond smartwatches and glasses. Qualcomm’s recent launch of the W5 Gen 2 chip, highlighted at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, provided the processing power needed for more ambitious devices. Dino Bekis, who runs Qualcomm’s wearables business, highlighted the Looki L1 as a prime example of this next‑generation hardware in action.

Device Features

The Looki L1 is a lifelogging camera that hangs around the user’s neck. Its design resembles a cat, complete with an oval face, ears and legs. Inside, a 12‑megapixel Sony sensor offers image stabilization and automatic HDR, enabling 4K photos and 1080p video at 30 fps with a wide field of view. The device can be activated via side buttons, a gentle stroke across its middle, or voice commands that let users pose questions to ChatGPT without pulling out a phone.

Power is supplied by a 12‑hour battery, signaled by colored lights on the device’s legs—green, yellow or red—when the user taps its tummy. Weighing just 30 g, the Looki L1 is comfortable for all‑day wear, and it includes a clip and cord for secure attachment.

User Experience

Captured content automatically uploads to the Looki companion app, where it is organized into chapters that read like a story. The app can auto‑cut footage into highlight reels and even generate short films based on user prompts about a place, person or mood. The device also provides haptic feedback that resembles purrs, reinforcing its playful cat motif.

Market Perspective

While the Looki L1’s whimsical design and AI capabilities have generated excitement, concerns about privacy and surveillance remain valid. Bekis acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the device’s potential for personal memory keeping and creative storytelling. The Looki L1 is currently available for $199 and includes three free months of a prime membership that otherwise costs $10 per month.

Used: News Factory APP - news discovery and automation - ChatGPT for Business