Hardware startup Plaud has unveiled two major additions to its AI-powered productivity lineup ahead of CES 2026 in Las Vegas: the Plaud NotePin S, a wearable AI notetaker, and a new desktop meeting notetaker app designed for digital meetings. With these launches, Plaud is expanding beyond in-person note capture and positioning itself as a serious competitor to popular AI meeting tools like Granola, Fathom, and Fireflies.
Plaud NotePin S: Smarter, Smaller, and More Wearable
The Plaud NotePin S is an evolution of the company’s original pin-style AI recorder launched in 2024. Priced at $179, the new model introduces a physical control button that allows users to start and stop recordings instantly. During a session, users can tap the button to highlight key moments, making it easier to review important sections later similar to functionality found in the recently released Plaud Note Pro.
One of the standout features of the NotePin S is its versatile wearability. The package includes a clip, lanyard, magnetic pin, and wristband, allowing users to attach or wear the device in multiple ways. Plaud has also added Apple Find My support, making it easier to locate the device if it’s misplaced.
In terms of specifications, the NotePin S retains much of the original model’s core hardware. It offers 64GB of onboard storage and supports up to 20 hours of continuous recording. The device is equipped with dual MEMS microphones, capable of capturing clear audio within a 9.8-foot range. Users also receive 300 minutes of free transcription per month, making it an accessible entry point for AI-powered note-taking.
While the NotePin S has a shorter recording range and lower battery life compared to the larger Note Pro, its compact size makes it ideal for professionals who are frequently on the move. Plaud says the device is specifically designed for people who need a lightweight, always-ready recorder for daily interactions.
Desktop AI Notetaker Takes on Meeting Apps
Alongside the hardware launch, Plaud introduced a desktop meeting notetaker app for Mac that captures and structures notes from digital meetings. The app works across major meeting platforms and can automatically detect when a meeting starts, prompting users to record and transcribe the session.
The Mac app uses system audio to capture meetings and then applies AI to organize the transcription into structured notes. Plaud is also extending its multimodal note-taking features previously available on mobile to desktop, allowing users to combine audio, images, and typed notes in one place.
Plaud’s Growing Footprint
The NotePin S marks Plaud’s fourth device, and the company reports selling over 1.5 million devices to date. With its latest hardware and software expansion, Plaud is signaling a broader ambition: becoming a unified AI notetaking platform for both in-person conversations and online meetings.
