This analysis has been conducted with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), and it is important to clarify this from the outset. It is not about delegating work or seeking shortcuts, but rather a conscious experiment to evaluate the scope of this technology in 2026. What’s interesting is that the starting point is not an abstract software, but a tangible device: the Plaud Note Pro. There are no machines writing on their own here. The article arises from the direct experience of a journalist who has tested the Plaud Note Pro for several weeks and has dictated their impressions to the device. The process is simple yet revealing: all content comes from a dictation, which the Plaud transcribes and, following specific instructions, converts into the analysis you are reading. The Plaud Note Pro is the size of a credit card, just a few millimeters thick and very lightweight. Its minimalist design is reflected in the presence of a single button, sufficient to activate the device and start recording. Thanks to its microphone system, it can capture voices in noisy environments or with multiple people speaking, and it maintains a dual recording: it can record both the ambiance of a meeting and phone calls, simply by placing it behind the mobile phone. For added convenience, it includes a leather case that adds magnets compatible with MagSafe, although it would be ideal if these were integrated into the device itself. In terms of battery life, it offers between 30 and 50 hours of recording and can store up to 400 hours of audio, eliminating concerns about space. The logical question is: why use this device if the mobile already has a recorder? The key lies in its independence. It is not just another function of the phone, but a dedicated tool, always ready to record any moment with just the press of a button, without needing to unlock the mobile. Although it might seem like a product for very specific niches, in practice it proves useful for everyday tasks: taking notes, recording ideas, organizing thoughts, or even drafting articles. The system transcribes conversations, identifies voices, corrects errors, and reconstructs unclear words thanks to AI. Human editing is still necessary, but the Plaud streamlines and simplifies the process. The starting price is 180 euros, but to take full advantage of all its functions, a subscription is required. The free plan offers 300 minutes of transcription, sufficient for occasional use, but those who integrate it into their routine will likely opt for the annual plan of 110 euros, which expands minutes and allows for personalized prompts. The workflow is straightforward: you record, transfer to the mobile, and it uploads the audio to the cloud, where the AI processes the transcription and transforms it according to the given instructions. The official prompts allow for generating summaries, idea lists, or mind maps, but the real advantage lies in personalizing them, adapting the device to each user's needs. Thus, the Plaud Note Pro evolves from being a simple gadget to a powerful tool, capable of automating tasks almost in real-time. It’s like carrying a personal assistant in your pocket, able to summarize meetings or answer questions about what was recorded. However, it is not essential. Its value does not lie so much in the hardware as in the integration of powerful AIs that process the audio. All of this could be done with a mobile phone and external services, but the key to the Plaud is in its simplicity and integration: a dedicated device, with its own battery and advanced microphones, that provides reliability and convenience. The transfer to the mobile is quick and, in many cases, automatic. The audio is processed with AI, and the user can choose from various models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, according to their needs. The system offers free minutes and options for expansion for those requiring more capacity. In short, the true value of the Plaud Note Pro lies in how it transforms the captured information, rather than in the act of recording itself. The difference is made by the instructions and customization, allowing the tool to be adapted to each user. Main features: - Design: credit card format, 3 mm thick, aluminum and glass. - AI: integration with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. - Functions: transcription, speaker identification, summaries, mind maps, tasks. - Extras: purchase of additional minutes, subscription required for advanced functions. The Plaud Note Pro is especially useful for those who make intensive use of transcription and AI. Source: heraldo.es