Hardware developer Plaud.ai officially unveiled its latest AI-powered recording device, the Plaud Note Pro, this Wednesday. Available for pre-order at $179, the new hardware arrives two years after the debut of the original Plaud Note, aiming to refine the meeting and call transcription experience for professionals.
Advanced Hardware and Display Upgrades
Designed to attach magnetically to the back of a smartphone, the credit-card-sized device retains its familiar form factor but introduces a significant visual upgrade: a 0.95-inch AMOLED screen. This display provides real-time feedback, including battery status and recording indicators.
The Note Pro features a major audio overhaul, moving from two microphones to a four-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) array. This upgrade doubles the recording range to 16.4 feet (5 meters) and significantly enhances noise suppression and speaker detection capabilities. Users can choose between a 30-hour standard recording capacity or a 50-hour mode with a reduced range of 9.8 feet (3 meters).
Intelligent Software and Multimodal Features
Automation is at the core of the new release. Unlike the previous version, which required manual input to switch between recording modes, the Note Pro features automatic call and in-person meeting detection.
Simultaneously, Plaud is upgrading its companion app to support text-based notes, image integration (such as presentation slides), and “multidimensional summaries.” These summaries utilize custom templates—or user-created ones—to extract specific insights, data points, or action items based on the user’s professional role.
Additionally, a new beta feature now allows users to query their notes directly, turning static transcripts into searchable, interactive databases.
Pricing, Availability, and Market Position
The Plaud Note Pro is priced at $179 (£169). Pre-orders are open now, with shipping scheduled for October 2025. Early adopters who secure a pre-order will receive a magnetic case and 600 complimentary transcription minutes. Standard users receive 300 minutes of monthly transcription for free, with options for paid plans or one-time top-ups for higher volume needs.
While many AI hardware startups have struggled to gain traction—such as the Friend wearable or Exor-backed Bee—Plaud has demonstrated consistent growth. The company reports having shipped over one million units to date, with nearly 50% of its user base opting for the premium Pro subscription plan.