The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is notorious for its chaos. Journalists, including those from CNET, navigate packed halls and back-to-back briefings, often scrambling to capture key details before they slip away. This year, one device promises to streamline the process: Plaud’s NotePin S, a wearable AI recorder designed for exactly this type of fast-paced environment.
The Problem with Traditional Note-Taking
For years, CES reporters have relied on a combination of audio recorders, frantic scribbling, and memory to document hundreds of product pitches. This approach is inefficient, prone to error, and requires hours of post-event transcription and fact-checking. The NotePin S aims to replace this messy process with a sleek, AI-powered solution.
How the NotePin S Works
Plaud sent an early version of the NotePin S to CNET for testing prior to CES 2026. The device, roughly the size of a USB stick, clips onto clothing or can be worn as a wristband or lanyard. It activates with a long press and records audio within a 9.8-foot radius using dual microphones. The key feature is a “press to highlight” button, which allows users to instantly mark important moments during live conversations for easy retrieval later.
The NotePin S connects via Bluetooth to a companion app, where transcripts are generated in real time. Plaud has already tested this technology at large-scale events like Dreamforce, proving its reliability in noisy convention environments.
Beyond Wearables: Plaud Desktop
Plaud also announced Plaud Desktop, an AI notetaker for online and in-person meetings. Unlike intrusive meeting bots, it operates discreetly in the background, detecting conversations and providing summarized notes directly to the user’s Plaud account. This ensures all notes—whether captured via wearable or computer—are centralized and accessible.
The Cost of Efficiency
The NotePin S will be available immediately for $179 (£159). While the price may seem steep, the potential time savings and improved accuracy could make it an essential tool for any professional who relies on capturing detailed audio information.
The NotePin S and Plaud Desktop represent a shift in how journalists and other professionals document real-time conversations. By automating note-taking and transcription, these devices could fundamentally change how information is captured and processed at major events like CES.
