Whisper to Command: Relay Q Redefines Interaction

Relay is introducing the Relay Q, a new portable microphone designed to elevate voice as the primary human-computer interaction method. Founded by former Nothing employees, the London-based startup aims to address the limitations of current voice-to-text technology, especially in noisy environments.

The Relay Q hardware, slated for release in early 2027, is a dedicated microphone intended for high-fidelity voice capture anywhere. It works in tandem with Relay's software, which uses Google's Gemini models for sophisticated voice-to-text transcription. The software also features 'Skills' for contextual actions, such as drafting messages or scheduling events, and allows for personalized communication styles adaptable to different recipients and languages.

While the Relay Q hardware will be available in early 2027 for $150, including a year of software access, the Relay software itself is launching now for macOS. Future plans include Windows, iOS, and Android compatibility. The company emphasizes local data storage and user control over privacy, though the system requires broad permissions for its functionalities. Competitors like Sandbar and Pebble are also developing similar wearable voice input devices.