While attending CES 2026, I came across the Looki L1, a distinctive wearable camera that resembles a Pokémon character and is worn around the neck. This device boasts features such as AI assistance and daily tracking, offering feedback on your activities throughout the day. Curious to see how it would perform, I decided to wear the L1 for a full day at the event, sharing my experiences with its functionalities.
Photo and video quality varies
The Looki L1 is advertised to capture 1080p videos and photos, promising decent quality on paper. However, my experience revealed inconsistent results akin to an entry-level budget smartphone. While outdoor footage appeared impressive, indoor shots displayed noticeable graininess, resembling HD webcam quality. Despite its limitations, the camera performed better than expected but fell short of perfection.
In less than ideal lighting conditions, video quality significantly decreases
Battery life is another aspect to consider, with the AI recording in “Story Mode” offering up to 12 hours of usage. Continuous video recording, however, drains the battery quickly, lasting only a morning in my case. This energy-intensive feature parallels the battery drain experienced with smartphones and other wearables.
AI assistant functionality
Similar to the controversial AI Pin by Humane, Looki’s L1 incorporates an AI assistant capable of tracking daily activities and providing responses to user queries. Despite challenges in noisy environments, the AI assistant effectively answered questions and offered relevant information without the need for a costly subscription. While not flawless, the AI functionality delivers on its promises at a more affordable price point.
Contextual storytelling feature
One of Looki’s standout features is its ability to create a narrative of your day based on captured moments. However, the device’s interpretation of context can be somewhat tenuous at times. For instance, a simple joke led to the AI emphasizing the word “hangover” in the day’s summary, showcasing a slight misinterpretation of events. Despite minor hiccups, the device’s contextual storytelling adds a unique touch to the user experience.
AI-generated comic strips
Looki’s L1 offers a compelling feature that transforms your daily experiences into comic strips, available in various styles for sharing on social media. While visually appealing, navigating this feature proved more complex than anticipated. The process of creating a comic strip required personal media input, highlighting a potential learning curve for users seeking to explore this creative aspect of the device.
Appeal of novelty despite shortcomings
Despite its drawbacks in video quality and AI functionality, the Looki L1 presents a novel approach to vlogging and daily documentation. While it may not match the quality of smartphones, the device offers a convenient “set-and-forget” experience for capturing moments. With further development in AI capabilities, the L1 could become a compelling choice for certain users. Priced at $199, the L1 is available for purchase on the Looki website, catering to individuals interested in a unique wearable camera experience.
While not a standout product at CES, the Looki L1 showcases potential amidst its flaws, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.
