Plaud NotePin
Wearable AI voice recorder that transcribes and summarises conversations.
Our verdict
A neat hands-free way to capture client briefs and variations on site. Get consent before you record anyone.
Best for: Tradies who want hands-free notes from client walk-throughs
What it does
Plaud NotePin is a small wearable AI recorder you clip on or wear as a pendant or wristband. It records conversations and voice notes, and the Plaud app transcribes and summarises them. A NotePin S version is also sold.
AI features
- AI transcription and summaries
Other voice notes & admin tools
ChatGPT
General AI assistant for emails, quote wording, SWMS drafts, voice chat and photo questions.
Verdict: The best general-purpose AI to start with. Never send its SWMS or contract wording without checking it, because it can sound confident and still be wrong.
Price: Free plan. Plus A$30/month. Business A$28/seat/month billed annually (min 2 seats).
Chime Labs
Sydney-built AI receptionist for trades that answers calls and books jobs into your job system.
Verdict: A well-priced, AU-built AI receptionist with a real free tier, so you can test it before paying. Booking straight into ServiceM8, Simpro or Fergus needs the A$399 Pro plan, so check which tier you actually need.
Price: Free plan (test calls, built-in diary, 5 quotes a week). Essential A$99/month + GST (100 minutes, then A$0.25/min). Pro A$399/month + GST (uncapped minutes, job-system booking). Enterprise on contract. No lock-in.
Claude
AI assistant that's strong at long documents: contracts, specs and tender packs.
Verdict: Great for reading the fine print in builder contracts and specs. It's not legal advice, so get a lawyer for anything serious.
Price: Free plan. Pro A$34/month incl GST (or A$340/year).
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