In recent times, technology firms have been working diligently to develop a wearable AI companion that captures widespread appeal. It remains to be seen if Motorola will be the firm to make this happen, but the smartphone maker is evidently pursuing that goal. At CES 2026, Motorola unveiled a new wearable AI proof of concept during its Lenovo World Tour presentation for attendees and media.

I had the privilege of seeing the device operate a few days prior at an exclusive media preview, where company representatives highlighted that this is a proof-of-concept model. The demonstration illustrated the device functioning as anticipated for this category of hardware. Driven by Motorola’s new AI assistant, Qira, the wearable can identify and provide explanations for objects, summarize data, and navigate to events by activating apps on a connected phone.

The device is compact and minimalistic, resembling a robust pendant rather than a conventional gadget. It boasts a shiny, pearl-like exterior with gently curved edges and hangs from a slender necklace chain. A discreet Motorola logo is situated near the midpoint, accompanied by a small camera lens and sensor array at one extremity. Aside from a narrow speaker slit and tiny pinhole microphones, there are no apparent buttons or displays.

In practice, it nearly functions as an autonomous AI. Instead of simply offering directions, the device opened Google Maps on the demo phone and automatically input the destination. Some demonstrations seemed redundant, such as when a spokesperson displayed an event flyer, and the device primarily reiterated the text verbatim with little additional context regarding the speakers.

Motorola may have a potential opportunity here. The benchmark for minimalist, wearable AI is currently low. Humane’s AI Pin quickly failed, facing criticism for its restricted practicality and steep price tag. The Friend necklace followed suit, encountering backlash for purportedly copying its design from another source.

Motorola has made it clear that this wearable is still a long way from being commercially available.

Visit the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the premier event in technology, where Mashable journalists are covering the event live.