Voice-controlled technology has long been promised as the next major way people will interact with computers and smartphones. A new compact AI microphone showcased at IFA Berlin 2026 is offering a fresh take on that idea.
The Relay Q, developed by a team with experience at British technology company Nothing, is designed to connect a user’s voice directly with AI software on a computer.
A small device designed for quiet commands
About the size of a small lighter, the Relay Q can be held in the hand and activated by pressing its top button. Its microphone is designed to capture even whispered speech, allowing users to dictate or issue commands without speaking loudly.
The device can also be double-clicked to perform actions such as pressing Enter or Send, adding physical controls to the voice-first experience.
Its top module can be removed and used as a wearable pin, attaching magnetically to clothing. A separate MagSafe remote can also be used with an iPhone.
AI can carry out computer tasks
The Relay Q works with Relay’s AI desktop software, which uses Google’s Gemini and currently runs on macOS. Support for Windows and Android is expected later.
Users can give the software access to other applications so that the AI agent can perform tasks. In a demonstration, a whispered request to draft an email resulted in Gmail opening and an invitation being prepared.
The software also includes personalisation options, allowing users to provide instructions about their preferred writing style.
Could voice replace typing?
The device raises an interesting question about whether typing will always remain the main way people communicate with computers.
For writers, journalists and other professionals, voice input could potentially make drafting faster while still allowing users to formulate their own ideas. Whisper-level recording could also make voice interaction more practical in offices and public spaces.
Early test for the AI device market
The Relay Q is available for preorder to early supporters at $150, including a MagSafe remote and 12 months of Relay Unlimited software. The device is currently expected to ship in January 2027.
As standalone AI devices become increasingly common, the Relay Q is taking a different approach by combining voice interaction, physical design and computer-based AI assistance. Its success may depend on whether people find speaking to their computers more natural and useful than simply reaching for the keyboard.