Plaud launches a new AI hardware notetaker, the $179 Note Pro

On Wednesday, Plaud.ai introduced its latest innovation, the Note Pro, a cutting-edge physical notetaker priced at $179. This release marks a significant advancement, coming two years after the debut of the original Plaud Note and just a year following the launch of their AI Pin. The Note Pro is designed to be conveniently portable, resembling a credit card in size, and can easily attach to the back of your smartphone. Notably, the new device features a compact 0.95-inch AMOLED display that provides essential information, including a recording indicator and battery status. With an impressive recording capability, the Note Pro can capture audio for up to 30 hours under standard conditions. For those who need extended recording time, the device can stretch its capacity to 50 hours with a reduced range of 9.8 feet (approximately 3 meters) on a single charge. The upgraded model boasts four MEMS microphones, doubling the quantity found in its predecessor, which enhances audio capture capabilities within a 16.4-foot (nearly 5 meters) radius, significantly improving the device's range. One of the standout features of the Note Pro is its auto-detection functionality, which seamlessly switches between recording calls and in-person conversations without manual intervention. Additionally, Plaud.ai is set to enhance its companion app, enabling users to take text notes, add images like slides, and utilize new features such as “multidimensional summaries.” These summaries extract insights in various formats, including key points and data items, tailored to the user's role. The app will also include templates for generating summaries, with the ability for users to create their own. A beta feature allows users to query their notes for more efficient information retrieval. The Plaud Note Pro is now available for pre-order, with shipping expected in October 2025. Early adopters will receive 600 complimentary transcription minutes and a magnetic case. Users will also benefit from 300 free transcription minutes monthly, with options for additional minutes through a paid plan or one-time purchase. Plaud has established a strong foothold in the market, having shipped over a million units of its AI notetakers, with nearly half of users opting for the Pro plan.