Plaud launches new AI pin and desktop meeting notebook

Hardware maker Plaud has launched a new AI-powered notebook called Plaud NotePin S along with a desktop app that helps you take notes during digital meetings ahead of CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

The company first released its pin-shaped notebook in 2024, which my former colleague Brian Heater really liked. The new pin contains a physical button that allows you to start and stop recording. Additionally, while recording, you can tap a button to highlight a specific point – just like you can do on the newly launched Plaud Note Pro.

One advantage of the $179 Plaud NotePin S is that the package includes a clip, lanyard, magnetic pin, and wristband. This means you can wear the device however you like. The company is also adding Apple Find My support for pins, so you can easily search for your device if you can't find it.

The basic specifications of the device remain the same as the previous generation. There is 64 GB of memory on board, and the battery capacity is enough for 20 hours of continuous recording. The device is equipped with two MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphones that can capture clear sound within a 3.8-foot radius. Users will also receive 300 minutes of transcription per month for free.

Compared to Note Pro, this device has a shorter recording range and shorter battery life. However, it is smaller and can be worn with any of the accessories mentioned above. The company says the pin is suitable for people who are constantly on the move.

This is Plauda's fourth device, and the company has sold over 1.5 million devices to date. With these devices, the focus is on in-person meetings. However, Plaud also wants to take on meeting notebooks like Granola, Fathom and Fireflies with a new desktop client that runs on meeting apps. The company says the app can detect when a meeting is active and prompt you to capture the transcript.

The Mac app takes notes using system audio to capture the meeting, then transcribes it into notes using artificial intelligence. Last year, the company introduced multimodal note-taking inputs to its app, which allows users to add images and typed notes along with audio transcription. Plaud also introduces this functionality to its desktop application.