The Plaud Note: A Practical AI Hardware with Pros and Cons

In the world of artificial intelligence (AI), new gadgets are constantly emerging, promising to be our fancy AI companions. One such device is the Plaud Note, a sleek snap-on device that utilizes generative AI for various tasks. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s like to use the Plaud Note, its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth the investment.

What It’s Like Using the Plaud Note

The Plaud Note is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it a pleasure to hold and use. The setup process is straightforward, and once you’ve pressed the button and connected it to your phone via Bluetooth, you’re ready to go.

One of the standout features of the Plaud Note is its transcription capabilities. Whether you’re recording in English or other languages, it performs relatively well. For English speakers, the transcription is accurate enough for most purposes. However, when it comes to technical terms, stylized names, or colloquial phrases in non-English languages, there are some errors. But these can be easily edited, and the app offers dedicated options for transcription and summarization.

Another advantage of the Plaud Note is its ability to handle different accents. I tested it with various accents, and it was able to understand and transcribe them fairly accurately. This is especially useful for those who need to record conversations or meetings in different languages or with diverse accents.

In terms of call recording, the Plaud Note also does a decent job. However, phone call recordings may sound a bit subdued compared to ambient recordings, and there are some issues with the quality of the transcriptions. But the app’s voice gain system can help improve the situation by adjusting the sensitivity of the onboard mic to pick up voice more accurately.

Pros

Stunningly thin and light design that feels great in the hand.
Fairly accurate transcriptions for English and some non-English languages.
Summarization templates are neat and offer a convenient way to organize the content.
The ability to choose between different AI models.
Much better than similar phone apps in terms of functionality.

Cons

All features are locked behind a subscription, which may be a deterrent for some users.
Non-English transcriptions need more polishing to be more accurate.
The app’s performance may vary depending on the network quality and ambient noise.

Some Extras and Pitfalls

The Plaud Note offers some additional features that can enhance its usability. For example, the voice gain system helps to improve the quality of call recordings. The app also has ready-made templates for summarizing the contents, which is a useful time-saving feature.

However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of. The limitations of the transcription accuracy in non-English languages and the fact that all features are subscription-based can be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the app’s performance may not be consistent in all situations, especially when dealing with noisy environments.

But, But, But… There’s an App

While the Plaud Note itself is a great device, there are also apps available that can offer similar functionality. For example, apps like Otter rely on a subscription model and offer superior mic quality for better recorded audio. However, they may not be as versatile as the Plaud Note in terms of the deployment of AI and the availability of multiple languages and accents.

Another advantage of the Plaud Note is its ability to work with any iPhone or Android phone, regardless of the phone’s capabilities. This gives users more flexibility and the option to pair it with their existing devices.

Phones Have AI, Too

Many modern phones now come with built-in AI features, such as call recording and transcription systems. iOS 18 in particular has a native call recording and transcription system that can be integrated with Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools. Google is also starting to offer native call recording in the US on the Pixel 9, using on-device AI for analysis and transcription.

However, it’s important to note that these AI features are not available on all phones, and they may not be free forever. Additionally, the performance and capabilities of these built-in AI systems may vary depending on the phone model and software updates.

Should You Buy the Plaud Note?

If you have a fairly recent flagship phone and don’t have a specific need for a standalone recording and transcription solution, the Plaud Note may not be necessary. However, for those who are looking for a reliable, all-in-one device that offers good transcription accuracy and additional features, it can be a worthwhile investment.

The Plaud Note’s thin and lightweight design, along with its ease of use and choice of AI models, make it stand out. The fact that it can work with any phone is also a significant advantage.

However, if you are concerned about the subscription fees or the limitations of the non-English transcription accuracy, you may want to consider other options. It’s also worth comparing the Plaud Note to similar apps and devices to see which one best meets your needs and preferences.

In conclusion, the Plaud Note is a promising AI hardware device with its own set of pros and cons. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your individual requirements and usage scenarios. So, do your research and make a decision that suits you best.