The Article Tells The Story of:
- Humane is shutting down AI Pin and selling its assets to HP for $116 million.
- AI Pins will stop working after February 28, 2025, losing all cloud-based features.
- HP will acquire over 300 patents and bring Humane’s team into a new AI-focused division.
- Humane initially sought a $1 billion sale but struggled with poor sales and high return rates.
Humane Ends AI Pin and Sells to HP
Humane, the startup behind the AI Pin, has officially announced that it is shutting down its AI wearable. The company has agreed to sell most of its assets, including its platform and patents, to HP for $116 million. This marks the end of Humane’s attempt to introduce a screenless AI device, which launched to overwhelmingly negative reviews in April 2024.
Starting February 28, 2025, AI Pins will lose access to cloud-based functions, including calls, messaging, AI queries, and online storage. Humane has urged users to back up their data before this shutdown, as all stored files will be deleted.
Customers eligible for refunds must submit their claims by February 27, 2025. Only AI Pins purchased within a 90-day return window qualify. Subscription holders will receive prorated refunds for any prepaid service beyond February 28.
Check Out Our Article of AI Pin’s Poor Launch Pushes Humane to Seek Buyer, With Valuation Up to $1 Billion Published on May 25, 2024 SquaredTech
Why Humane’s AI Pin Failed
Humane’s AI Pin was introduced with high expectations. The company generated buzz with a TED demo and a flashy reveal video. However, the product fell short of expectations. Tech reviewers widely criticized its functionality, with The Verge calling it “unusable” and MKBHD labeling it “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.”
Following its launch, Humane struggled with sales. Reports suggested daily return rates exceeded new purchases. The company attempted to salvage the AI Pin by cutting its price and introducing software updates. Despite these efforts, it quickly became clear that the AI Pin was not gaining traction.
In a last-ditch effort, Humane repositioned its CosmOS software as an operating system for third-party devices. However, this strategy failed to attract significant interest, leading to the decision to sell to HP.
HP’s Plans for Humane’s Technology
HP’s acquisition of Humane includes over 300 patents and patent applications, as well as key technical staff. Founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno will lead a new division at HP focused on integrating AI into its product ecosystem.
This division, called HP IQ, will develop AI-powered solutions for HP’s personal computers, printers, and conference room technology. HP aims to enhance its devices with AI-driven automation, making them more intuitive and efficient.
HP’s move aligns with a growing trend of integrating AI into consumer and business technology. By acquiring Humane’s technology, HP hopes to strengthen its AI strategy and compete with other tech giants investing in AI-powered hardware.
A Cautionary Tale in AI Hardware
Humane initially sought a much higher sale price—reportedly as much as $1 billion. However, given the AI Pin’s failure, the company settled for $116 million in its deal with HP. This dramatic drop reflects how poorly the AI Pin performed in the market.
The rise and fall of Humane serve as a cautionary tale for AI startups. Even with strong backing and hype, an AI product must deliver real value to survive in a competitive market. Humane’s AI Pin failed to meet consumer expectations, leading to its rapid downfall.
With HP taking over, the question remains: Will its AI vision succeed where Humane’s did not? The coming months will reveal how HP integrates Humane’s technology into its products—and whether AI-powered hardware can truly revolutionize daily life.
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