Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Plaud.ai launches its latest AI note-taking device, the Note Pro.
- The Note Pro has an ultra-thin and lightweight design with aluminum wrapping.
- It costs $179 and is available for preorder starting Aug. 27.
Plaud.ai has become well-known for its AI note-taking devices, which upgrade the classic voice recorder with a light form factor and AI to boost users’ productivity. The company is now adding to its lineup with the Plaud Note Pro, which it calls its “most advanced and versatile” notetaker yet. ZDNET’s Jack Wallen tested its predecessor, the Plaud Note, and found it useful in his daily life, even claiming he was “absolutely sold.”
Also: I retested GPT-5’s coding skills using OpenAI’s guidance – and now I trust it even less
This type of omniscient AI assistant in hardware is becoming a more common trend in the industry. For example, the Bee Wearable is also equipped with mics and AI and meant to be worn at all times to provide helpful actions such as transcribing interactions and allowing you to conversationally search them. Brilliant Labs’ Halo smart glasses can also remember your day’s interactions with a 14-hour battery life.
Here’s what the Note Pro has to offer.
Same lightweight design
The Note Pro maintains the same aesthetic as the Plaud Note, which is about the size of an aluminum credit card, making it easy to take with you everywhere you go. Hardware updates include two additional microphones with a 5-meter range to pick up more audio more accurately and Apple Find My compatibility. A magnetic case is also available to attach the Note Pro to the back of your phone.
The software
Ultimately, AI is only as helpful as its data. The more information it collects, the better it becomes at providing truly helpful personalized experiences.
The Note Pro’s appeal lies in the capabilities made possible by the Plaud App 3.0 software. In conjunction with the app, the Note Pro can listen to your surroundings and deliver actionable insights “faster and more accurately than ever before,” according to Plaud.ai.
Also: Google can translate your voice in real time now – try it free
The Note Pro also sports a new InstantView interface that is meant to help users more easily navigate the experiences, from initiating a recording to exporting it. Users also get days of recording time, multimodal inputs, instant file transfer, and customizable views, according to the release.
The company also claims the Plaud Intelligence Core was upgraded to better extract key insights, such as creating follow-ups, to-do lists, summarizing meetings, assigning tasks, and more. The idea is for the Note Pro to function as a companion that is with you at all times, going beyond creating transcripts and passively delivering helpful insights.
How to purchase
The Plaud Note Pro is available for preorder at $179 starting Aug. 27 on the official Plaud website. Those who preorder and join the waitlist will receive 600 complimentary minutes and a magnetic case. Shipping begins in October, and the Plaud App 3.0 will be released then, too.
Also: I tried every new AI feature on the Google Pixel 10 series – my thoughts as an AI expert
Its predecessor, the Plaud Note, is available for purchase on Amazon for $159.–>
Artificial Intelligence
<!–>
–>
