The ambitious vision of wearable AI, AI Pin, has officially ended. This end came when HP acquired the assets of Humane, the company behind the AI-powered wearable, for $116 million. This deal marks the closure of Humane’s operations and HP’s takeover of its technology and personnel.
The AI Pin’s Short-Lived Journey
Once hyped as the future of personal computing, the AI Pin was designed to replace smartphones with an AI, screenless experience. Founded by former Apple executives, Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, Humane secured over $230 million in funding to bring this vision to life. However, just 10 months after its launch, the AI Pin is being discontinued.
Customers who purchased the $499 AI Pin have been notified that the device will stop functioning on February 28, 2025, at 12 PM PST. At that point, it will lose access to Humane’s servers, making key features like calls, messaging, and AI queries unusable.
Humane has advised users to back up any important data before the shutdown. And refunds will only be issued to those who purchased the device within the last 90 days.
High Expectations, Harsh Reality
When the AI Pin launched in April 2024, it was met with excitement. The device promised to change how people interact with technology. It was offering a screenless alternative to traditional smartphones. However, early adopters quickly ran into problems. Reviews highlighted performance issues, and users reported frustration with its limited functionality.
By mid-2024, return rates had outpaced new sales. The situation worsened when Humane issued a fire safety warning, urging users to stop using the charging case due to battery risks. In an attempt to revive interest, the company lowered the AI Pin’s price from $699 to $499 in October 2024. However, the discount failed to attract new buyers.
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HP’s Plans for AI Integration
With this acquisition, HP is bringing Humane’s engineers and product managers into a new division called HP IQ. This division will focus on AI innovations, particularly in work-related applications. HP has also acquired Humane’s CosmOS AI operating system, which was designed to power a range of smart devices, including car entertainment systems, smart speakers, and smartphones.
HP aims to explore how CosmOS could be integrated into its existing product lineup, including PCs and printers. The company sees AI as a key differentiator in the future of hardware. While Humane initially sought a deal valuing the company at up to $1 billion, the final sale price was significantly lower. Nonetheless, HP views this acquisition as a strategic move to expand its AI capabilities.
Lessons from Humane’s AI Pin Failure
The AI Pin joins a long list of ambitious tech products that failed to gain mass appeal. Despite its promise, it struggled to deliver a seamless experience that could replace traditional smartphones. The rapid downfall of Humane underscores the challenges of disrupting established industries, proving that even well-funded startups must deliver real value to succeed.
