AI Pin Startup Humane Folds After Harsh Reviews
Humane, a San Francisco-based tech startup, is shutting down following a string of negative reviews. The company, which had raised $230 million, is selling its assets to HP Inc.
Humane’s product, the “Ai Pin,” was a wearable device designed to act as an AI assistant.
The Humane AI Pin, shown in a promotional image.
HP will acquire Humane’s software, patents, and employees. The deal is expected to close by the end of February.
Humane aimed to revolutionize technology’s role in people’s lives, attracting Silicon Valley investors like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Salesforce’s Marc Benioff. The Ai Pin, priced at $700 initially, allowed users to interact with an AI assistant via voice commands.
Investors valued Humane at $850 million. However, the Ai Pin’s performance didn’t match the hype. Early reviews highlighted significant issues.
One review called the pin “bad at almost everything it does.” Others described it as a “phone without a screen,” calling it “not all that useful.” These criticisms prompted Humane to warn employees to prepare for negative feedback.
HP will pay $116 million for Humane’s assets. HP plans to integrate Humane’s AI platform, Cosmos, into its devices.
With the shutdown, service for the Ai Pin will end on February 28. Users who purchased the pin will be left with a non-functional device. Refunds will be provided for purchases made on or after November 15. Humane suggested users recycle the pin through e-waste programs.
