In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the tools we rely on often struggle to keep up with our ever-evolving needs.
Smartphones, once groundbreaking, now feel like a barrier between us and true connectivity. The demand for smarter, more intuitive solutions is growing louder, pushing innovators to think beyond the screens in our hands. At the forefront of this revolution is a new wave of wearable technology, poised to redefine how we interact with the digital world.
Joan Cabezas, the visionary CTO and co-founder of Based Hardware, is working to revolutionize how we interact with technology. His bold ambition? To make smartphones a thing of the past by introducing AI-powered wearable tech that seamlessly integrates into everyday life. With a background in artificial intelligence and a passion for innovation, Cabezas is in charge of making AI smarter, more personal, and less intrusive.
“We waste so much time on our phones,” Cabezas explains. “Whether checking notifications, jotting down notes, or searching for information, these small interruptions add up to hours of daily distraction. I aim to change that by creating technology that works for you without demanding your constant attention.”
Cabezas’ vision centers on a sleek wearable device that does more than capture conversations—it turns them into actionable insights. Worn like a necklace, this device uses advanced AI to transcribe and analyze conversations in real-time. It extracts key points, offers personalized follow-ups, and takes over tasks typically handled by smartphones, helping users stay engaged and focused.
“Imagine sitting in a meeting or having a deep conversation, and you don’t have to look at your phone or write down notes,” says Cabezas. “You stay fully present, and the device captures everything for you. Later, it organizes the information, highlights important points, and even reminds you to follow up. It’s like having a personal assistant that’s always with you.”
This innovative approach has already caught the attention of early adopters in Silicon Valley, where the device has become a must-have for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and tech enthusiasts. By blending cutting-edge AI with intuitive hardware, Cabezas is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wearable technology.
Cabezas’ journey into AI and wearable tech began long before Based Hardware. Growing up in Colombia, he started coding at 10 years old and quickly developed a knack for solving complex problems. By his early teens, he was building websites and experimenting with cybersecurity—a path that laid the foundation for his career as a technology entrepreneur.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems,” Cabezas recalls. “From the moment I wrote my first line of code, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to this.”
After co-founding Trip Planner AI—a platform that grew to over three million users in just a year—Cabezas turned his attention to hardware. His experience scaling startups and developing AI-driven solutions gave him the expertise to tackle the challenges of creating a wearable device that could truly replace the smartphone.
One of the defining features of Based Hardware’s wearable device is its ability to integrate seamlessly into daily life. Unlike traditional smartphones, which often demand users’ attention, this device works in the background, capturing conversations and providing insights without intruding.
“Our device is about making technology more human,” Cabezas explains. “It’s not about flashy screens or endless notifications. It’s about giving you the freedom to focus on what matters—your interactions, creativity, and ideas—while the tech takes care of the rest.”
The device’s AI models are designed to understand context, making it possible to generate meaningful summaries and suggestions. For instance, a sales professional can review key points from a client meeting, or a team leader can ensure nothing important was missed during a brainstorming session. This functionality has made it a favorite among professionals who value efficiency and productivity.
In an age where data privacy is a growing concern, Cabezas and his team have taken a unique approach by making the device 100% open source. This allows users to host their data and inspect the code, ensuring complete transparency.
“Privacy shouldn’t be a privilege,” says Cabezas. “We wanted to create a product that puts users in control of their data. By keeping everything open source, we’re building trust and giving people peace of mind.”
This commitment to privacy has struck a chord with users, especially in industries where confidentiality is crucial, positioning Based Hardware as a leader in ethical AI. Developing a wearable seamlessly integrating hardware and AI has been no easy task, from sourcing components to ensuring flawless functionality.
However, Cabezas’ superior expertise in backend architecture, AI development, and DevOps has turned these challenges into opportunities, driving innovation and solidifying the company’s mission to empower users without compromising trust.
“Hardware is hard,” Cabezas admits. “Unlike software, you can’t just push an update if something doesn’t work. Every component has to be perfect before it goes to market. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.”
Amy Li is the Founder of ConchaLabs, Inc., a trailblazing company at the forefront of hearing health technology. She praises Joan’s pivotal role in the company’s growth and success:
“Joan’s extraordinary technical development and leadership talents have positioned our company at the forefront of the hearing health industry,” she says.
“His achievements are truly exceptional, surpassing all expectations for someone his age. I am confident that Joan will create numerous job opportunities in the future, and I hope he does so within the United States. His unique combination of innovation and execution makes him an invaluable asset to the U.S. tech industry.”
The Pioneer of AI-Driven Wearable Tech
Cabezas is reshaping the way we see and use technology. His wearable device isn’t just about new features but a whole new way of thinking. By putting user experience, privacy, and innovation at the forefront, he’s creating a tech solution that truly feels designed for people.
“Our mission is simple,” Cabezas says. “We want to create technology that makes life better, not more complicated. It’s about empowering people to do more, achieve more, and connect more, all without the distractions of traditional devices.”
With his groundbreaking work in AI and wearable tech, Cabezas is making it transformative. And as his device continues to gain traction in Silicon Valley and beyond, it’s clear that we’ll all benefit from his vision for the future.
Jeremy Nixon, the CEO of Omniscience and AGI House, a leading center for artificial intelligence research and innovation, praises Cabezas.
“Joan brought exceptional expertise and insight as a judge at our Artificial Intelligence x Mathematics hackathon. His sharp analytical skills and deep knowledge of AI made him an invaluable part of the event, elevating the discussions and decisions,” says Nixon.
Cabezas envisions a future where personalized AI becomes an integral part of daily life, enabling people to spend less time on screens and more on meaningful interactions.
“I truly believe we’re at the start of a new era in computing,” he says. “In five years, I think everyone will have a device like this that integrates seamlessly into their lives and helps them be more productive without being distracted.”
Cem Kozinoglu is the CEO and Founder of GHOST, a cutting-edge startup revolutionizing AI chat technology.
He recognizes Joan as a key driver behind the company’s remarkable success: “Joan is one of the brightest minds in AI today. His contributions have been crucial in advancing our conversational AI technology, helping drive Ghost’s rapid growth to a $50+ million valuation.
“His leadership and technical expertise secured significant investments and earned him a $170K salary plus $50K in stock. Joan’s ongoing innovation continues to push the boundaries of AI, making him an invaluable asset to the tech ecosystem.”
Cabezas is also exploring new applications for the technology, from enhancing team collaboration to improving accessibility for people with disabilities: “The possibilities are endless,” he says. “We’re just scratching the surface of what this technology can do.”
“I want to reduce the time people spend on their phones,’ says Cabezas, ‘Too often, we’re distracted by devices, even during meaningful conversations.
“By creating a product that helps people stay present while still capturing and organizing information, I hope to contribute to a future where technology empowers us without pulling us out of the moment.”
