The Memoket Gem AI notetaker and its wriststrap.
Ben Sin
Up until maybe six or seven years ago, if you asked a journalist what the most annoying part of their job was, chances are most would say “transcribing an interview.” Thanks to the advancement in technology, many Gen Z journalists today may not even know what transcribing is. But essentially, it’s the act of listening to a recording of an interview and typing out every single word (or at least, the key words). That way, the journalist would have the information needed to write their article. It’s a tedious, time-consuming process that has given me many a sleepless night.
And so I’ve been impressed to see how far technology has advanced with the recent batch of AI notetakers. These small devices, from companies like Mobvoi and Plaud, are essentially digital recorders that can transcribe human speech into text within seconds. Not only can they provide a word-for-word transcription, they can also generate an easier-to-digest summary version.
I’ve tested a few over the past couple of years, from the Plaud Notepin to Mobvoi Ticnote, and while they all performed well, the newest entry, from Memoket, is the most useful of them all.
The Gem, from Memoket
Ben Sin
Launching this month, the Memoket Gem is a tiny, plasticky device that is designed to be worn on the wrist. It is, like previous AI notetakers, a recorder. After recording, the Memoket app (available on iOS, Android, MacOS or Windows) will then provide a full transcript and summary in seconds. But what sets the Gem apart from previous products I’ve tested is that the Gem features a so-called “long memory technology and algorithm,” which allows me to ask for contextual information from all my previous recordings.
For example, I used the Gem to record the launch of two different EV events (XPENG and Xiaomi) last month. Within the Memoket app, I can ask the AI to give me relevant specs from both EVs, or compare the two, even though the two were separate recordings captured two weeks apart in different parts of the world.
Within individual recordings, I also like that not only do I get a full transcript and summary, but I also get a graphic breakdown with charts and statistics. The below image contains two screenshots of the Memoket app. I recently recorded a casual conversation I had with a friend about potentially buying an apartment, and the Gem was able to turn a very scattered, casual conversation (see screenshot on the left) into a full infographic with key information (right).
A conversation with a friend
Ben Sin
I can also ask the Memoket app for more information regarding specific phrases or terms. For example, during an XPENG briefing, there were many technical EV terms with which I was unfamiliar. I was able to ask the Memoket app to explain the technical terms to me.
Asking Memoket to explain a term to me
Ben SIn
The hardware
Weighing 0.4oz, the Gem is designed to be worn on the wrist via the included wrist strap. While it charges via a proprietary cable (I wish it was USB-C), a single charge does power the device on standby for 30 days. There is a button on the right side of the Gem, and a long-press begins recording (there is a small indicator light to let you know it’s recording). Two microphones located on the left and right side of the device capture audio.
The Gem
Ben SIn
The device is rated IPX7, meaning it can survive being briefly submerged in water, or withstand rain. It’s so lightweight and sleek I have worn it almost every day, even on days when I am not doing work.
The Gem inside its plastic wrist strap.
Ben Sin
The software
The AI-powered software can actually be used without the hardware at all – you can, for example, just load your own recordings from elsewhere into the app for transcription. And the app itself does require a subscription if you are using it as a standalone product. But the beauty of the Gem is it is a more discreet recording device than a phone, and Memoket says buying the Gem (priced at $179) includes one year of app access for free.
A gamechanger for someone like me
As someone who has to frequently attend product briefings or tech launch events, the Gem simplifies and speeds up my workflow significantly. Even as recently as a couple of years ago, I would need to physically take notes on my phone when I attend a tech event. Now I just need to press a button on my wrist, and I can have all the information I need. If only this technology existed when I was in school – or the first 10 years of my journalism career.
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