Meet the AI Devices That Take Notes So You Can Pay Attention
There is a growth of meeting activity happening, meaning that taking notes manually is no longer scalable. Professionals are now moving from meeting to meeting with no time in between and leaving behind many of the key details. AI-assisted note-taking devices are available to replace taking notes by hand or typing. These devices use microphones to listen to your conversation and record the information you discuss during a given meeting, and then create a searchable transcript without the need for typing or writing.
The AI devices also do what people have a hard time doing; they listen to, remember, and organize the results of multiple conversations in real time.
Why AI Notetaking Hardware Exists
Meeting friction is eliminated by new AI notetaking hardware. All of these devices work without the need for laptops to be open or apps to run in the background. The devices utilize high-quality microphones and are hands-free devices, which make them suitable for any in-person, hybrid, or spontaneous discussion type. They also deliver more accurate transcriptions than many of the software-only tools, because the devices put an emphasis on audio capturing first.
Pocket-Sized AI Notetakers
1. Plaud Note / Plaud Note Pro
The Plaud Note is a portable artificial intelligence device for recording and transcribing meetings and conversations into an organized format of text. The Pro version of the Plaud Note has enhanced audio capabilities with better quality microphones and a mini display for easier tracking of recordings during meetings.
Key Features:
- Automatic recording of meetings
- Transcription and summarization powered by AI
- Extraction of key points and action items
- Ability to work with in-person meetings as well as phone calls
- Multiple microphones for higher-quality audio
- Includes built-in display and additional controls for professional users
Pricing:
- Plaud Note approximately $159
- Plaud Note Pro approximately $189
- Both include free minutes for transcription and paid transcription if you need more.
2. Mobvoi TicNote
Mobvoi’s TicNote is an AI-aided live transcription recorder that provides real-time transcription capabilities and is especially useful for the multilingual world of work. This live transcription software will convert live text into its written form, provide support for translation in more than 100 languages, and provide summaries, key points, and action items after the conclusion of each meeting.
Key Features:
- Transcribe meetings in real time
- Translate 100+ languages
- Create meeting summaries, key points and action items
- Long battery life
- Local storage for transcribing the meeting using the app
Pricing:
- Price of device: $159
- Free plan with limited transcription capabilities.
- Monthly and annual paid plans will provide access to additional features provided by AI.
Wearable AI Pins and Pendants
3. Plaud NotePin / Plaud NotePin S
Plaud NotePin devices offer a hands-free method of recording your notes while you are in meetings or talking casually with someone. They come in a variety of forms, including pins and pendants, so that you can easily wear them and record either way.
Key Features:
- One-Touch Recording
- Wearable as a pin, pendant, clip, and/or wristband.
- Recordings translated to text and summarized via the Plaud NotePin App
- Long-lasting: up to 12 Hours of battery life; Perfect for daily use
- NotePin S has a physical button available for control.
Pricing: Plaud NotePin costs approximately $159, and the Plaud NotePin S costs approximately $179. All devices come with a limited number of monthly transcription minutes per month.
4. Omi Pendant
Omi Pendant is a low-cost, lightweight device that connects to your smartphone and allows you to take meeting notes using AI-based voice recognition technology. It allows users to be flexible in how they use the device and has no internal memory.
Key Features:
- A designer pendant that can be worn
- Audio and video recording of conversations using a telephone connection
- Transcripts are produced using the AI-powered mobile application on your phone.
- Open-source support for developing custom workflows
- Low profile
Pricing:
- Approximately $89
- No subscription required; however, will depend on the applications used.
Alternative Form Factors
5. Viaim RecDot Earbuds
The Viaim RecDot is a product that provides an effective solution, combining wireless earbuds and AI transcription to allow users to record meetings and phone calls with common audio/accessory items.
Key Features:
- Transcribing phone calls and meetings
- Storing the audio in the charging case
- Transcribing in real-time via the app
- Automatically extract highlights from calls/meetings
- Using regular earbuds
Pricing:
- Approximately $169
- There may be a subscription fee for extended transcriptions.
6. Anker Soundcore Work
Anker Soundcore Work is a small AI meeting recorder intended for office use. It emphasizes reliability, sound quality, and extended recording time.
Key Features:
- Coin-sized recorder with charging case
- AI transcription and summary
- Multi-microphone support for group meetings
- Extended recording time with case support
- Office and meeting room use
Pricing:
- Approximately $159
- Free limited transcription minutes
- Paid subscription for further use
What These Devices Do Well
- Recording meetings through automated means without any form of human intervention.
- Transform conversations into searchable transcriptions.
- Create summaries of conversations as well as highlight critical points.
- Minimize distractions while meeting.
- Assist in remembering and following up on conversations after a meeting.
- Support collaboration among teams regarding their discussions and decisions rather than having to take notes.
Limitations to Consider
- Privacy and consent concerns when recording conversations
- Subscription fees for advanced transcription features
- Battery life limitations during long meetings
- Transcription accuracy may vary by environment
- Background noise can affect audio quality
The Future of Meetings Is Remembering Everything
Meetings previously relied on fast notes or your memories of them. AI notetaking tools are increasingly helping you capture conversational updates and making them available as searchable or shareable insights, all without interrupting conversations while they are occurring. Because of how rapidly these devices are becoming smarter and simpler to operate, it will soon feel as antiquated to forget a meeting/conversation as it did to write down the information yourself.
For more tools that help you save time and boost productivity beyond meetings, check out this list of best time-saving gadgets.
