Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Pinclaw.
Product
What is Pinclaw?
Pinclaw is a clip-on AI voice device. You clip it onto your collar, pocket, or bag strap, and talk to it — it talks back. It connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and uses frontier AI models (Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini) to handle tasks hands-free. No screen needed.
How is Pinclaw different from a phone voice assistant?
Phone assistants like Siri are locked into a single ecosystem with rigid commands. Pinclaw uses the most advanced AI models available, supports natural conversation, and can access your calendar, contacts, health data, smart home devices, and more — all through a single voice interface. It's always accessible without pulling out your phone.
What can I do with Pinclaw?
Ask questions, set reminders, manage your calendar, send messages, control smart home devices, get health summaries, navigate, generate images, play audio — all by voice. Pinclaw also supports custom AI agents and skills through the OpenClaw plugin system.
Does Pinclaw have a screen?
No. Pinclaw is intentionally screen-free. It uses voice as the primary interface to keep you present and hands-free. You can check conversation history and manage settings in the companion iOS app.
Which AI models does Pinclaw support?
Pinclaw supports Claude (Anthropic), GPT-4o (OpenAI), and Gemini (Google). You can switch between models or let Pinclaw choose the best one for each task with the Pro subscription.
Hardware & Setup
How do I set up Pinclaw?
Download the Pinclaw iOS app, create an account, then press the button on your Pinclaw device to enter pairing mode. The app will find it automatically via Bluetooth. Scan the QR code on the device to activate. Setup takes about 2 minutes.
What's in the box?
The Pinclaw clip device, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide. The device comes with a built-in clip — no additional accessories needed.
How long does the battery last?
Pinclaw lasts a full day of typical use on a single charge. Charging via USB-C takes about 45 minutes to full.
Is Pinclaw waterproof?
Pinclaw is splash-resistant (IPX4) — it can handle rain and sweat, but should not be submerged in water.
Which devices are compatible?
Pinclaw requires an iPhone running iOS 17.0 or later. Android support is on our roadmap.
Pricing & Plans
How much does Pinclaw cost?
The Pinclaw hardware clip is $129 (originally $169 — early bird pricing). The Pro subscription is $29/month ($279/year) and includes access to all AI models, cloud sync, voice history, and usage analytics.
What's included in the Pro subscription?
Pro ($29/month or $279/year) includes managed access to all supported AI models (Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini), priority support, and cloud features like voice history and usage analytics.
Can I try Pinclaw before buying the hardware?
Yes. Download the Pinclaw iOS app and use it with your phone's microphone — no hardware required. When you're ready for the hands-free experience, order the clip.
Is there a return policy?
Yes. We offer a 30-day return policy for the hardware clip. If you're not satisfied, return it for a full refund.
Privacy & Security
Does Pinclaw record everything?
No. Pinclaw only listens when you press the button or use the wake word. Audio is streamed for transcription and immediately discarded — we do not store raw audio recordings.
Where does my data go?
Voice is transcribed via our secure cloud STT service (Whisper), then sent to the AI model you've selected. Raw audio is never stored — only the transcribed text. We never sell your data.
Is my health data safe?
Health data accessed through HealthKit is processed locally on your device. It is never sent to our servers or shared with third parties, in compliance with Apple's HealthKit guidelines.
Developers & Extensibility
Can I build custom skills for Pinclaw?
Yes. Pinclaw uses the OpenClaw plugin system — an open standard for AI agent tools. You can write plugins in TypeScript that add new capabilities to your Pinclaw, from home automation to custom APIs.
Is Pinclaw open source?
The OpenClaw protocol and plugin SDK are open source. The firmware, iOS app, and cloud infrastructure are proprietary but well-documented.
Can I self-host the AI backend?
Advanced users can run local models through the OpenClaw plugin system. The plugin SDK is open source and supports custom AI backends.
Still have questions?
Contact Support