Plaud launches eSIM case headphones for AI agents at $249

Plaud is preparing headphones designed for note-taking and AI automation, featuring an eSIM case to control agents remotely. The device, available for pre-order at $249 and in limited quantities, is not expected to arrive until the fourth quarter of 2026, in a market where competition is intensifying.

Price, Credits, and Timeline: Pre-orders at $249 and Shipments in 2026

The Plaud One headphones are available for pre-order at a price of $249, with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The launch will be limited in quantity, as the company likely wants to assess the demand for this type of headphones. Each buyer receives 300 minutes of free transcription per month, with additional plans available starting at $8.33 per month, billed annually. Customers will also receive $200 in credits to use for tasks performed by AI agents, a feature that will be introduced in a future update.

Hardware Features and Battery Life: Recording for Up to 25 Hours

The Plaud One headphones are equipped with 12 mm drivers and active noise cancellation. They allow users to record calls, while their case can be used to capture in-person conversations or take notes. According to Plaud, the case can distinguish voices within a five-meter range. The headphones provide up to six hours of battery life for recording physical meetings or three hours for calls on a single charge, while the combination of headphones and case extends this total recording time to 25 hours.

eSIM Case and AI Agent: Remote Commands Without Phone or PC

The case of the Plaud One supports an eSIM card. According to the company, this connectivity allows users to send instructions to its AI agents remotely, without the need for a phone or computer. Once the conversation is transcribed, the AI agent can connect to tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, and Slack, generating follow-up emails or creating documents and presentations from the conversation content.

A Niche Already Occupied by Competing Hardware and Software

Similar headphones are already offered by Viaim and Anker. On the software side, Granola, Fathom, and Read AI have been providing transcription and task automation solutions for some time. Plaud may struggle to convince users of AirPods, Pixel Buds, Galaxy Buds, or other wireless headphones, which can offer similar functions when paired with a note-taking app. However, Nathan Xu, CEO of Plaud, asserts that the company is not positioning itself directly against these brands and is adapting its meeting recording technology to a popular portable format.

Roadmap and Business Context: Upcoming Agents and 2.5 Million Users

Plaud intends to introduce agent features through an update planned for the coming months, including a credit system for various tasks. The company announces that it has surpassed 2.5 million users for its hardware or software products and indicated in June that it achieved an annual revenue of $100 million. Pocket, which is backed by YC, is also reported to have reached this revenue figure. Other companies like Anker, Comu, Viaim, and the software startup Genspark are also developing solutions in this market. Nathan Xu, CEO of Plaud, advocates for the need for an interface that allows invoking AI from anywhere and believes that the headphones meet this need. He describes AI as requiring a portable device that is always ready, socially acceptable, and designed for privacy. The Plaud One adopts a design inspired by AirPods and represents the new direction of the company's project.