Plaud One AI earbuds launch with standalone LTE connectivity
The new device aims to decouple meeting transcription from smartphones by integrating cellular data into its charging case, targeting a growing market for autonomous AI hardware.
Plaud has entered the competitive AI hardware sector with the launch of the Plaud One, a pair of earbuds designed to record and transcribe meetings and calls without reliance on a smartphone. The device distinguishes itself from competitors such as Rabbit and Humane by integrating LTE connectivity directly into the charging case. This feature allows the earbuds to access the internet in over 80 countries and regions without requiring a traditional cellular contract, addressing a key limitation in previous AI wearable attempts.
The hardware architecture supports independent operation, with the charging case housing its own microphones capable of capturing in-person conversations within a five-metre range. Users can record audio directly to Plaud’s servers for transcription and summarisation, eliminating the need to return to a desk to process data. The system offers local storage for up to 30 hours of audio, combining 16MB of memory in each earbud with an additional 512MB in the case.
An integrated AI agent, activated by voice command or a dedicated button, interacts with third-party applications including Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, and Slack. The agent can generate reports and manage follow-ups, functioning as a personal assistant for professional workflows. For users who prefer to use the earbuds for media consumption, the device supports Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity, though codec support is limited to SBC and LDAC, which may restrict high-resolution audio playback for some users.
The Plaud One includes active noise cancellation with up to 40 decibels of ambient noise reduction and IP54 dust and splash resistance. Battery life is estimated at six hours for music playback with noise cancellation off, or approximately four hours for calling. The charging case provides up to 36 hours of additional battery life, with a full charge taking about one hour via USB-C.
Priced at $250, the Explorer Edition is available for pre-order in select markets, with shipments expected before the end of the year. The initial release includes $200 worth of complimentary Plaud tokens for agentic features. However, full utilisation of transcription capabilities requires a subscription, with a free Starter plan offering 300 minutes monthly and a $20 Pro plan providing 1,200 minutes every 30 days.
Plaud is scheduled to release version 4.0 of its application around the same time as the hardware shipments, rolling out updates to all existing devices. This move signals the company’s intent to consolidate its user base under a unified software ecosystem while expanding its hardware footprint.
