Pickle Launches AI-Powered “Soul Computer” AR Glasses That Remember Your Life

A co-founder of a California-based technology startup called Pickle has announced its entry into the augmented reality market, launching its product on January 1, 2026. The company has launched the “Pickle 1” augmented reality glasses, a device that it calls a “soul computer.” The idea of using the augmented reality glasses is quite simple, let me tell you. Users will be able to review and store their memories, such as what they see, hear, or do. The initial use of the AR glasses is to create a database of memories. And knowledge for aiding users without them asking for assistance. This concept sounds like something from the realm of science fiction.

Pickle claims that the augmented reality glasses are authentic, with pre-orders now being accepted and deliveries expected in the spring of 2026. As a result of the untested technology and relative obscurity of the company, many are wondering how this relatively unknown start up could possibly deliver on their ambitious claims. Claims which even some of the world’s leading technology companies have struggled to fulfil.

What Makes It a Soul Computer?

While Pickle does not want you to think of their device as another pair of smart glasses, it is part of an overall brand philosophy to create a “soul computer”. Or wearable AI that learns about you and your life as you go about your daily activities, just like an companion, but AI, reported Times Now. This concept is similar to the way GirlfriendGPT: AI Sweetheart That Remembers Every Chat! works. Where the AI remembers past conversations and adapts to the user to create continuity and a deeper sense of connection over time.

Pickle glasses will continuously record videos and audio throughout your day. The glasses will run a special Pickle OS which will process all video/audio recordings locally. And then will create searchable “Memory Bubbles” which represent moments in your life. All of which can be accessed later through a request to the AI.

Claimed Capabilities:

One of the unique characteristics of Pickle is its Proactive capabilities. Unlike other devices like Siri/Alexa which only respond when you ask, Pickle 1 claims to be able to predict what you may need in advance. Like if you get close to your front door at 8 AM it could automatically reserve an Uber or if you say “I’m hungry” it can recommend restaurants based on where you’ve previously eaten and liked. Might get annoying at a point because everything in your life is not predictable, is it?

This device is also equipped with a feature called a ‘virtual double,’ which is an avatar created using AI and is used in video-to-audio call applications such as Zoom and Teams. Digital Twin Interfaces allow you to replicate yourself virtually during a call at any time and with full voice and lip synchronization. Now this is something cool, but raises ethical questions. You may have the capability of sending your Digital Twin to meetings even if you are engaged in other activities at the same time. Whether this represents the future of enhanced productivity or is scary or troubling to you is a matter of how you view it.

The Hardware Challenge

It’s difficult to implement all the AI capabilities of the Pickle brand glasses into a wearable package. However, the specifications on the Pickle product are on par with what would be expected from other larger device categories.

The Pickle glasses weigh 68 grams, which is comparable to a bulky pair of prescription glasses. Further they have a fully color AR binocular display that Pickle claims has the widest field of view available in the industry. And are powered by an integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon processing unit to perform the AI tasks required to run the glasses. Pickle has also designed the glasses with dual batteries so that they offer a combined battery life of 12 hours based on both mixed use and usage patterns.

Many in the technology industry are sceptical of Pickle’s claim to provide 12 hours of A/V recording time and processing on a single charge. As Continuous A/V recording, processing of A/V using AI technology and delivering these capabilities via a device this lightweight over an extended period is an impressive feat. Apple and Meta have not made similar claims to date regarding the capabilities of their AR products.

To address privacy related concerns, Pickle plans to employ secure enclaves in which data will be stored locally. With the storage utilizing volatile memory for any stored data. Nonetheless, the pervasive nature of a device designed for ongoing, always on, A/V recording continues to be unsettling to a large fraction of the potential user base.

Why People Are Getting Sceptical

Responses from tech message boards, YouTube content providers, and tech-related sites have varied. Leaning toward a level of caution for those reviewing or commenting upon Pickle 1. Several commenters are even calling Pickle 1 possible vapourware or even dubious.

This skepticism is entirely reasonable because Pickle is a relatively unknown start-up making claims. Which are substantially greater than those of MNCs with multi-billion dollar budgets dedicated to research and development. The scientific principles of thermal management and battery density lend themselves to cause significant doubt for the advertised 12 hour use between charges.

Comparison with competitors:

While the current generation of devices (including Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses) offer only audio functionality, with most of their computing taking place on smartphones. Pickle has positioned itself as a leader in the next wave of AR eyewear by providing a true immersive AR experience combined with proactive AI capabilities.

There are currently other types of memory-based wearables being sold (Looki L1 & Halliday), but only Pickle offers the possibility of a full AR experience combined with proactive AI capabilities.

Where Can I Get Pickle 1 Glasses?

The company has opened pre-orders for their product at a price point of $200 for a fully-refundable deposit. For those who want to be early adopters of their product, they will be able to lock in the price of $799. This is a large discount as compared to the expected retail price of $1300 once the product has been released. They expect to ship to customers in Q2 2026 starting with customers in the USA and then expanding internationally.

The refundable deposit arrangement can create a sense of security and uncertainty at the same time. The positive side of the refundable deposit arrangement is that if the company does not deliver the product, the customer can get their money back. But the negative side is that this type of arrangement is often used by vapourware projects to gather interest and monetary support.

Should You Take the Bet?

Pickle (the “soul computer”) could either be the next great advancement in computer science (or, depending on your perspective) the promise of something that cannot possibly exist, per the laws of physics. The idea of having an AI that retains your context and provides proactive assistance is an exciting one.

The amount of difference between Pickle is shouting from the rooftops about all of these amazing things and what AR hardware can deliver today is astronomical. No third party has independently verified any of Pickle’s claims. There is no evidence that the battery life of Pickle will remain intact under realistic scenarios. Nor that any of the AI-based attributes will perform as described and mentioned in the Kickstarter campaign.

As it stands, if you choose to pre-order a product from Pickle, the refundable deposit does give you some assurance. But have a realistic expectation of what you are going to receive. Bear in mind that you are effectively taking a very high risk on a company that has made extreme claims and has not yet produced anything similar to what it is purportedly trying to build. If you’re looking for more proven gadget ideas this season, check out our roundup of the best tech Christmas gifts for alternatives that are already available and well-reviewed.