Plaud’s latest update to its NotePin AI recorder looks modest at first glance. The new NotePin S is nearly identical to last year’s model in size, shape, and features. But one small change — the addition of a physical button — says a lot about how AI hardware makers are rethinking usability.
The original NotePin relied on haptic controls. Users had to squeeze the device to start recording and wait for a vibration to confirm it worked. In theory, that kept the design minimal and modern. In practice, some users found it unclear whether they’d actually started recording at all. The NotePin S replaces that ambiguity with something simpler: a button. A long press starts recording, and a quick tap drops highlight markers.
Plaud’s reasoning is straightforward. Buttons are unambiguous. You press them, and you know something happened. For a device designed to capture meetings, conversations, and reminders, that certainty matters. AI recorders live or die by how easy they are to use, and even small moments of doubt — did it record or not? — can break trust.
The NotePin S keeps everything else largely the same. It has the same Fitbit-like design, similar battery life, Apple Find My support, and the same transcription and summarization features for meetings, action items, and reminders. It also comes in the same black, purple, and silver color options. One practical improvement: accessories like the lanyard, wristband, clip, and magnetic pin are now all included in the box, rather than sold separately.
Alongside the hardware refresh, Plaud is also launching a new Plaud Desktop app for Mac and PC. The app records audio from online meetings on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, capturing both system audio and microphone input. It runs quietly in the background, can be set to auto-record or require manual activation, and doesn’t rely on a bot joining calls. Recordings sync with Plaud’s hardware devices, creating a single library of notes from both in-person and virtual meetings.
Plaud Desktop is available now and free for anyone who owns a Plaud Note or NotePin. The new NotePin S is also available today for $179 — $20 more than the original model, which the company says will be phased out.
Taken together, the changes reflect a practical shift in how AI-powered recording devices are being designed. Rather than chasing ever-more “invisible” interfaces, Plaud is prioritizing clarity and control. For professionals using these tools in real-world settings, intentional interaction often matters more than theoretical elegance.
The button on the NotePin S isn’t a step backward. It’s a recognition that sometimes the best way to make AI feel trustworthy is to make it obvious when it’s working — and when it isn’t.
This analysis is based on reporting from The Verge.
Image courtesy of Plaud.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
