This startup is building a real-world version of Her’s Samantha by tackling screen addiction

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Photo of woman lying on grass and wearing Natura Umana's HumanPods earbuds.
HumanPods earbuds are just the start of Natura Umana's AI plans.
Photo: Natura Umana

In a world dominated by screens, where the average person spends more than seven hours a day glued to digital devices, the question arises: Is there a better way to integrate technology into our lives? Swiss company Natura Umana believes there is. Taking inspiration from Spike Jonze’s iconic film Her, the company is developing a revolutionary AI ecosystem that replaces screen dependency with natural, voice-first interaction.

At the heart of Natura Umana’s vision are two pioneering products: HumanPods, the first AI earbuds designed for all-day wear, and NatureOS, a software platform that introduces “AI People” — intelligent agents that feel more like companions than tools. Together, these innovations aim to reduce screen addiction, enhance productivity and foster real-world human connections, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to privacy.

Redefining our relationship with technology

Current trends in digital technology often prioritize user engagement over well-being. Social media platforms, endless apps and traditional digital assistants are designed to capture attention, creating addictive cycles that can negatively impact mental health. Natura Umana’s approach disrupts this cycle by shifting focus from screens to voice.

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This post is brought to you by Natura Umana.
HumanPods’ open-ear design allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while maintaining seamless connectivity to AI assistance. The patented Gravity Hook ensures comfort and stability, making these earbuds ideal for urban environments and active lifestyles. And unlike traditional earbuds that isolate users, HumanPods promote environmental awareness, encouraging users to remain engaged with the world around them.

A new paradigm in AI interaction

NatureOS complements HumanPods by offering a groundbreaking AI interface centered on voice-driven interactions. Instead of swiping and tapping through screens, users can engage with AI People — virtual agents with distinct personalities and specialized knowledge.

These AI People adapt and evolve based on user interactions, developing memories and even forming opinions. Tasks that once required manual effort, from managing schedules to fitness coaching, are now accomplished through natural conversation.

By prioritizing voice communication, Natura Umana’s system significantly reduces the time users spend staring at screens. This shift does more than enhance productivity. It also helps mitigate the cognitive overload and emotional strain often associated with excessive digital engagement.

Privacy-first design

Unlike many existing AI systems that depend on cloud storage and centralized data processing, Natura Umana emphasizes user control and privacy. Users can decide to store personal data locally on their devices and delete it from external servers after each interaction. This approach ensures sensitive information remains secure, while still enabling the system to offer personalized, context-aware assistance.

Bridging the gap between fiction and reality

While Natura Umana’s products won’t yet achieve the emotional depth of Samantha from Her, they represent a significant step toward more human-like AI. The company’s mission extends beyond creating useful tools. It aims to redefine how we interact with technology, fostering a healthier balance between the digital and physical worlds. Natura Umana’s emphasis on voice-first interaction could mark the beginning of a new era where technology integrates seamlessly into daily life without demanding constant attention.

The road ahead for Natura Umana

Scheduled for launch in Q1 2025, Natura Umana’s products have already generated significant interest, with more than 2,000 members joining the company’s online community. By blending cutting-edge hardware and innovative software, Natura Umana is poised to challenge the status quo of human-AI interaction.

As society grapples with the challenges of screen addiction and digital distraction, Natura Umana offers a promising solution. The company’s combination of HumanPods and NatureOS represents more than a technological advancement. It’s a vision for a more balanced future.

Whether you see it as a real-world version of Her’s Samantha or simply the next evolution of AI hardware, one thing is clear: Natura Umana is redefining the way we connect with technology. For more information, check out the website NaturaUmana.ai.

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