GoKawiilFor years, tech companies have been telling us that voice will eventually supersede touchscreens as the primary way we interact with our technology, but it’s never quite happened — and I’d come to doubt whether it ever actually will.
At IFA in Berlin, I saw something that made me think again. A team of folks who left design-forward British tech startup Nothing have created an AI microphone that takes us at least one step closer to our voice-controlled future.
About the size of a small lighter, the Relay Q tucks easily and comfortably into your hand to form a bridge between your voice and your computer, between thinking and text. Hold down the tip to capture whisper-level audio, so you can subtly dictate or give voice commands in a quiet office without disturbing people. You can also double-click the top to press Enter or Send.
This design-forward device is a unique entry into the world of standalone AI devices.
What immediately impressed me about the Relay Q is its design and the tactile experience of holding the device. I wasn’t surprised to learn the team members are Nothing alumni, responsible for helping design some of the coolest audio and mobile devices on the market. These are people who know that how the technology looks and feels is an important part of whether people will truly love using it.
The Relay Q is available in a range of dual-color tones — silver and electric blue, which gives Dyson vibes, and baby blue and orange for a jazzier look. The press-to-speak button on the top has a satisfyingly soft yet responsive feel to it as you hold it down to talk.
The Relay Q is wearable, too. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
I’m also impressed by the way the tip of the device slides off, turning into a subtle wearable pin that clings to your collar with its built-in magnet, keeping the microphone close to your face. It’s a clever, thoughtful touch that provides flexibility depending on how you want to use the product. To activate the mic in wearable mode, you’ll still need to press and hold the top of the main module — or use a MagSafe remote (available separately) on the back of your iPhone.
The Relay Q is the gateway device to communicating with Relay’s AI desktop software, which is powered by Google Gemini and runs on macOS only for now (with Windows and Android compatibility coming later). You’ll need to grant the app access to your other apps so that it can carry out any commands you might give it through the Relay Q.
The MagSafe remote is available separately.
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