Why You Care
Ever wish you could capture every important detail from a conversation without frantically typing or scribbling? Imagine never missing a key point in a meeting or phone call again. Plaud has just released its new AI hardware notetaker, the Note Pro. This device aims to make your life easier by automating the capture and organization of spoken information. Are you ready to ditch your pen and paper for good?
This tiny device promises to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity. It’s designed for anyone who needs to remember crucial discussions, from busy professionals to students. The Note Pro could significantly change how you interact with your daily conversations and meetings.
What Actually Happened
Plaud, a hardware company, recently unveiled its latest AI notetaker, the Note Pro. This device is a successor to their original Note, which was a credit-card-sized hardware notetaker. It attaches to the back of your phone, making it convenient for on-the-go recording, according to the announcement. The new Note Pro comes with several significant upgrades.
One key difference is the addition of a small 0.95-inch AMOLED screen. This screen displays essential information like recording status and battery level, as detailed in the blog post. The company also significantly improved audio capture capabilities. The Note Pro now features four MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphones. This is double the two microphones found in the previous generation device, the company reports.
This upgrade allows the Note Pro to capture audio from a wider range. It can pick up sound within 16.4 feet (nearly 5 meters). This represents a 2x jump in range from the original Note Pro, the team revealed. Users can also expect better noise suppression and speaker detection with the new device, as the startup said.
Why This Matters to You
The Plaud Note Pro offers practical benefits for anyone needing efficient note-taking. It simplifies the process of capturing spoken information. For example, imagine you’re on a essential client call. Instead of struggling to type notes, the Note Pro records the conversation. You can then focus entirely on the discussion. The companion app also received updates, allowing for more versatile note management.
Key Enhancements of the Plaud Note Pro
| Feature | Original Plaud Note | Plaud Note Pro |
| Microphones | 2 MEMS | 4 MEMS |
| Audio Range | ~8.2 feet | 16.4 feet (nearly 5 meters) |
| Recording Capacity | Shorter | 30-50 hours |
| Display | None | 0.95-inch AMOLED screen |
| Auto-Detection | Manual | Auto-detects calls/in-person meetings |
What’s more, the updated app lets you take text notes directly on your phone. You can also add images, such as presentation slides, as mentioned in the release. The app now provides “multidimensional summaries.” This feature extracts insights in various formats, like key insights or data items. The company built templates for summary generation, and the app can automatically suggest the right one based on your role. You can even build your own templates, the documentation indicates. Do you ever struggle to organize your meeting notes effectively?
“The Note Pro can capture audio within the range of 16.4 feet (nearly 5 meters), resulting in a 2x jump in range from the original Note Pro,” the company stated. This means clearer recordings even in larger rooms. The device also offers a 30-hour recording capacity for standard use. You can even extend this to 50 hours with a shorter range setting, the company reports. This extended battery life means less worry about recharging during a busy day.
The Surprising Finding
Here’s an interesting twist: while many AI hardware devices have struggled, Plaud seems to be thriving. Other AI device makers have faced significant challenges. For instance, Exor-backed Bee was acquired by Amazon, and Friend experienced several delays. Plaud, however, has been successfully moving forward, as detailed in the blog post.
This is surprising because the AI hardware market has been quite volatile. Many companies have found it difficult to gain traction or sustain operations. Yet, Plaud continues to innovate and release new products. This suggests a strong understanding of user needs and effective execution. It challenges the common assumption that all new AI hardware ventures are inherently risky. Plaud’s consistent progress stands out in a crowded and competitive field.
What Happens Next
The Plaud Note Pro is available for pre-order now, priced at $179/£169. Shipping is slated for October 2025, according to the announcement. If you pre-order, you will receive 600 complimentary transcription minutes. A magnetic case is also included with the pre-order, the company reports. This is a nice bonus for early adopters.
Users also get 300 minutes of monthly transcription for free. If you need more, you can buy a paid monthly plan or a one-time top-up. For example, imagine you are a podcaster. This device could significantly reduce your post-production work by providing accurate transcripts. An upcoming beta feature allows you to query your notes. This means you could ask your notes questions like, “What were the action items from the Monday meeting?” This could further enhance your productivity. The industry will be watching to see if Plaud’s continued success can pave the way for other focused AI hardware companies.