Several years ago, I mentioned that AI hardware devices are like trying to invent an iPod after the iPhone. Two former Apple engineers seem to have embraced this situation with an AI button that resembles the iPod shuffle.

While the AI wearable device addresses the terrible privacy issues created by previous competitors, the duo still hasn’t provided a convincing explanation as to why this isn’t just an app...

Previous AI Wearable Devices

Previous AI wearable devices didn’t go very well. Marques Brownlee captured the essence of most reviews when he described the Humane AI pin as the worst product and labeled the Rabbit R1 as “almost unreviewable.”

My view on AI hardware devices is that it doesn’t make sense to carry one when you already have one.

The iPod was one of the greatest inventions in the world... back then. But while I still love that concept, carrying a dedicated piece of hardware to play my music doesn’t make sense anymore, because I can use the device in my pocket to play (almost) all the music in the world, whether I own it or not.

The same is true for AI hardware today. If it weren’t for smartphones, these devices would be extremely exciting, and despite their current limitations, I would want one. But smartphones exist, and I can’t see why these devices aren’t just apps.

Button

Wired reports that two former Apple engineers, Chris Nolet and Ryan Burgoyne, who are working on Vision Pro, have created their own AI hardware device called Button.

A button, inside a device that (intentionally) looks like an iPod Shuffle. It contains a generative AI chatbot. By pressing the button, you enable the chatbot to listen, answer questions, and take requests. It can provide responses audibly or connect via Bluetooth to headphones or smart glasses.

Activating it by pressing a button at least addresses the privacy nightmare created by always-on devices, but the duo still seems unable to provide an answer as to why this isn’t just an app.

Nolet says, "You can access the internet on your PC, but it’s better on your phone." He adds, "The new innovation is AI. You can use AI on your PC, you can use it on your phone, but our suggestion is that it’s better on Button."

Why? They don’t say.

  • Official Apple Store on Amazon
  • Apple's iPhone cases: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max | iPhone Air
  • Wireless CarPlay adapter (2026 update)
  • AirTag holders and accessories
  • Mac Pro style Mac mini case
  • NordVPN – privacy-focused VPN, no logs kept and verified by independent audits

Photo: Button