The Looki L1 is a standout wearable device that caught my attention at CES 2026. It’s a compact camera shaped like an obscure Pokémon that is worn around the neck. It tracks your daily activities, offers AI assistance, and provides gentle feedback on your choices. In my experience, it didn't hold back on the critiques. To put the L1 to the test, I decided to wear it for a full day at the show. I chose "Day 2," which was slightly calmer compared to the pre-show chaos and the bustling opening day of the event. Nonetheless, there was still plenty happening to keep me engaged. Here's my experience with the Looki L1 in Las Vegas. Photo and video quality is a mixed bag The L1 claims to be capable of capturing 1080p videos and photos, which sounds impressive on paper. However, in practice, the results varied significantly. It reminded me of an entry-level budget smartphone with a high-resolution camera that struggles in low-light conditions. The outdoor footage taken with Looki's camera looked surprisingly good, exceeding my expectations for quality. Dave McQuilling / Foundry However, indoor shots displayed varying levels of graininess, similar to what you might see with HD webcams. While it exceeded my expectations, it was not flawless. If you shoot footage in less than ideal light, the quality takes a nosedive Another aspect to consider is battery life. The AI recording in "Story Mode" can last up to 12 hours. However, constant recording of short videos can drain the battery quickly, as I experienced. Video recording is energy-intensive and can deplete the battery rapidly, much like it does with smartphones or other wearables. The AI assistant gave me flashbacks If you're familiar with tech news, you may recall the controversy surrounding Humane's AI Pin. A wearable device that offered voice commands, directions, and various other features, but received negative feedback due to its high cost and subscription requirements. Similarly, Looki incorporates an AI assistant that tracks your activities, provides commentary, and answers questions when prompted by tapping the touchpad on the device. I tested it by asking basic queries like the time, weather, and melting point of cadmium, and it responded adequately. Dave McQuilling / Foundry However, like other features of the L1, the AI assistant is not flawless. It struggled to recognize commands in noisy environments, such as the bustling CES show floor. Despite this, it generally delivers on its promises at a fraction of the cost compared to Humane's AI Pin, offering similar functionalities without the hefty subscription fees. It's all about the context One of Looki's standout features is its ability to narrate your day based on visual cues. However, its contextual understanding can be somewhat lacking at times. For instance, during a demonstration on radar-based self-driving systems at a remote hotel in the morning, the L1 misinterpreted a joke I made about being hungover and titled that day's summary as "From Hangover to High Tech." It also noted my casual Perrier consumption and encouraged me to stay hydrated throughout the day. Thanks, AI mom! Dave McQuilling / Foundry Turn your day into an AI-generated comic…apparently One of Looki's key features is the ability to transform your daily experiences into a comic strip. Various styles are available, and they look impressive in social media posts. While the feature exists, I found it slightly more complex than expected. After exploring the app, I realized that creating a comic involved using the "AI" button, which required more personal media content than I had captured. Anyron Copeman / Foundry I may have missed a simple step, but based on my experience, the comic feature is not immediately intuitive and may require a learning curve for users. For all its faults, the novelty is appealing While the Looki L1 has its drawbacks, including mixed video quality and imperfect AI functionality, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Vlog enthusiasts may find it particularly appealing as it provides a different perspective of their day, allowing them to savor moments without constant photo-taking. Although it may not match the quality of most smartphones, it offers a convenient 'set-and-forget' feature. With further development of its AI capabilities, the L1 could become a compelling choice for certain users. The L1 is priced at $199 and is available for purchase on the Looki website. While the Looki L1 may not be a standout product at CES, there were certainly other deserving contenders for the best in show award.
