The Rise of AI-Assisted Intelligence: Halo X Glasses Record Everything, But at What Cost?

A new startup, Halo, is set to release a pair of smart glasses that aim to revolutionize the way we think. Dubbed Halo X, these glasses will record and transcribe all conversations, providing users with AI-powered insights and answers to questions they may not know. The goal, according to the creators, is to make glasses that make users “super intelligent the moment they put them on.”

Halo’s co-founder, AnhPhu Nguyen, believes that the glasses will unlock a new level of power for AI to help users on a personal level. The glasses will be equipped with advanced AI algorithms that can analyze and process vast amounts of data, providing users with real-time insights and answers. Nguyen claims that the glasses will be able to recall details that users may have forgotten, and even anticipate their needs before they arise.

However, critics are raising concerns about the potential risks of recording everything, including conversations without consent. In states where laws prohibit recording conversations without permission, the Halo X glasses may be in violation of these laws. Nguyen acknowledges that this is a concern, but believes that the benefits of the glasses outweigh the risks.

“The goal is to make glasses that make users super intelligent the moment they put them on,” Nguyen said in an interview with TechCrunch. “We’re not just talking about providing users with information, we’re talking about augmenting their cognitive abilities and helping them make better decisions.”

The concept of “vibe thinking” has been touted by Halo’s co-founder, Caine Ardayfio, as the future of intelligence. According to Ardayfio, with an AI assistant constantly helping, users can become “way smarter” and have access to all the facts they need. Ardayfio believes that this is a natural progression of the way humans think, and that AI will eventually become an integral part of our cognitive abilities.

However, some research suggests that relying on AI may actually have the opposite effect, causing critical thinking skills to atrophy. A recent study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon found that a person’s critical thinking skills decline when they rely on AI responses. The study, which was published in the journal Science, found that participants who relied on AI for answers were less likely to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Another study found that students who heavily used ChatGPT, a popular AI-powered chatbot, reported memory loss and lower grades. The study, which was published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, found that students who relied on ChatGPT for answers were less likely to retain information and perform well on exams.

The Halo X glasses, by enabling users to tap into an AI without thinking about it, may exacerbate this issue. Critics argue that this could lead to a loss of critical thinking skills and a reliance on AI for all aspects of life.

Halo’s approach is different from its competitors, which have been hesitant to record everything due to reputational risks. Nguyen believes that consumers would be more willing to take a chance on a smaller startup like Halo, rather than a larger company like Meta. However, this approach raises concerns about the lack of transparency and consent.

“We think that everyone will be recording everything about their lives in the future, because it’s just so useful and helpful to their lives,” Nguyen said. “And I don’t think Big Tech will do that before a startup does just purely from brand risk.”

The Halo X glasses will be available for pre-order at $249, with a future goal of digitally chronicling everything we do becoming the norm. Nguyen anticipates that everyone will be recording their lives in the future, but it remains to be seen if this is a step towards “vibe thinking” or a step in the wrong direction.

In a statement, Halo emphasized the importance of user consent and control over their data. “We take user consent and data protection very seriously,” the company said. “We will provide users with clear and transparent information about how their data is being used and stored.”

However, critics remain skeptical about the company’s claims. “This is a classic case of ‘solutionism’,” said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading expert on AI and ethics. “The company is trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, and in doing so,