In the rapidly changing world of technology, Joan Cabezas is leading the way with his groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence.
As the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Based Hardware, he’s reshaping how people use technology daily. Joan’s latest creation, a wearable device that records, transcribes and analyzes conversations instantly, is catching attention in Silicon Valley and worldwide.
His work is not only changing how we interact with technology but also making it smarter and more useful for everyone.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of technology working for us, not the other way around,” says Cabezas.
“With this device, we’re eliminating the distractions of note-taking and letting people focus on the moment while still capturing every detail.”
Joan Cabezas’ groundbreaking wearable device is a sleek, necklace-like tool integrating advanced AI speech models to record conversations. But it’s not just a recording device—it’s a productivity powerhouse. The device uses machine learning to transcribe conversations and accurately contextualize the information into actionable insights.
“Imagine you’re in a high-stakes meeting,” explains Cabezas. “You no longer have to worry about jotting down notes or missing critical details. The device does all that for you, providing a summary, key points, and reminders to follow up on important topics.”
This innovation has already caught the attention of professionals in sales, consulting, and software development, who often rely on detailed records of their discussions: “Our users tell us it’s like having an assistant on demand,” Cabezas adds.
“That’s exactly the kind of impact we wanted to create.”
Based Hardware’s device has garnered significant attention among Silicon Valley’s tech elite. Professionals at companies like Salesforce and Google have adopted it for personal use, with many praising its ability to integrate with existing workflows seamlessly.
“People are frustrated with traditional tools that don’t adapt to real-world conversations,” says Cabezas.
“Our device solves that pain point. It’s not just about recording—it’s about understanding and organizing.”
The device’s appeal lies not just in its functionality but also in its commitment to privacy. Cabezas and his team have taken a bold stance by making the device 100% open source. This allows users to host their data and inspect the code for transparency. “Privacy shouldn’t be a luxury,” Cabezas states.
“By keeping our technology open, we give users control over their data. They don’t have to rely on us—they can rely on themselves.”
Building a device of this calibre hasn’t been without its challenges. Unlike software, hardware development involves navigating complex manufacturing processes and ensuring every component works flawlessly.
“Hardware is hard,” Cabezas admits. “You can’t just push an update like you do with software. Every detail has to be perfect before it goes out the door.”
Cabezas drew on his extensive experience in backend architecture, AI development, and cloud infrastructure to meet these demands.
Before Based Hardware, he co-founded Trip Planner AI, a platform that grew to over three million users in just over a year. That success demonstrated his ability to quickly identify user needs and deliver impactful solutions.
“Trip Planner taught me how to scale fast,” he recalls. “It also taught me that listening to users is the most important part of building a product.”
Monisha Perkash, a renowned Product Leader behind Meta’s Rayban Glasses and an advisor for Based Hardware, praises Joan’s exceptional abilities: “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Joan, first at tripplanner.ai, where he turned an idea into a platform with over 3 million users, and now as an advisor for Based Hardware,” she says.
“Joan stands out as an exceptional product leader with the vision and skills that distinguish him in today’s tech industry.
“His work in AI-driven product development demonstrates his ability to excel in cutting-edge technology. I look forward to seeing him continue to innovate and shape the future of AI and human-computer integration.”
There is no doubt Cabezas’ meticulous attention to detail has been instrumental in ensuring the device meets users’ high expectations: “When we ship a product, I think about the person opening it for the first time,” he says.
“How does it feel in their hands? Does it work exactly as they imagined? I obsess over those moments.”
The core of Based Hardware’s success lies in its ability to revolutionize how people interact with technology during conversations. The device’s advanced AI models don’t just transcribe—they understand.
Cabezas reveals: “Our AI doesn’t just hear the words; it learns the context. If someone asks, ‘What’s the status on the client report?’ the AI highlights the relevant points from the conversation and organizes them for follow-up.”
This functionality has made the device especially popular with sales professionals and consultants: “We’ve had users tell us it’s improved the quality of their meetings,” Cabezas shares.
“One consultant told me, ‘I don’t bring my notebook anymore. I’m fully present, and the device handles the rest.’ That’s exactly the experience we’re aiming for.”
Cabezas envisions a future where personalized AI becomes an integral part of daily life, reducing distractions and enhancing productivity. “We spend so much time on our phones, checking reminders, taking notes, or searching for information,” he says. “Our goal is to minimize those micro-interactions and let people focus on what matters.”
As Based Hardware continues to scale, Cabezas is already exploring new applications for the technology: “This is just the beginning,” he says.
“Imagine integrating this with team collaboration tools or customer service platforms. The potential is limitless.”
Felipe Chavez, Founder of Kiwibot Inc., a leading robotics company valued at over $100 million, praises Joan’s transformative impact on the company: “Joan possesses a rare combination of visionary thinking and practical skills,”: he says.
“At Kiwibot, his contributions to robotics and software development were key in advancing our delivery services across the U.S. Joan’s ability to turn innovative concepts into actionable solutions played a crucial role in our growth. I’m confident that Joan will continue to shape the tech industry with his unique technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, making him an invaluable asset to the U.S. innovation landscape.”
Cabezas’ journey from a young coder in Colombia to a leader in AI innovation is a testament to his vision and determination. His ability to blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of user needs has made him a standout figure in the tech world.
“Our mission is simple,” he says. “We want to make technology that genuinely improves people’s lives. It’s not about gimmicks or trends—it’s about solving real problems.”
With Based Hardware’s wearable device gaining traction and Cabezas at the helm, the future of AI-driven productivity tools looks brighter than ever.
As Cabezas aptly puts it, “This isn’t just technology—it’s empowerment.” And under his leadership, that empowerment is just the start.”.
