Plaud Launches AI Earbuds With Built-In 4G for Recording

Plaud, a hardware startup specializing in AI notetaking devices, has launched the Plaud One Explorer Edition, a pair of AI-powered earbuds designed to record, transcribe, and act on conversations. The device, announced on August 27, 2026, is available for preorder in select markets for $249.99, with shipments expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The core innovation of the Plaud One is its standalone functionality. The earbuds and their charging case are equipped with microphones and feature a built-in eSIM with 4G LTE connectivity. This allows the device to upload recordings for transcription and interact with AI services without requiring a paired smartphone or Wi-Fi connection. The case can capture audio from up to five meters away, enabling it to be placed on a table during a group meeting. Each earbud contains 16MB of local storage, and the system offers up to six hours of recording time for in-person conversations.

At the center of the experience is Plaud Agent, an AI assistant that interprets recorded conversations and can perform tasks across integrated tools such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, and Slack. The system can generate draft emails, documents,...