David Bridges
In a surprising move, AI hardware startup Humane has notified its users that their AI Pins will be disconnected in just ten days. In a communication sent to customers, the company confirmed that while the AI Pins will “continue to function normally” until 12 PM PT on February 28, users will lose access to most of the device’s features on that date. This includes crucial functionalities like calling, messaging, AI-driven queries, and cloud access. The only feature that will remain accessible is the ability to check battery life, which adds a minimal level of usability as the shutdown date approaches.
Humane is actively urging its users to download any stored data before the cutoff date of February 28, as the company plans to permanently delete “all remaining customer data” once the servers go offline. This underscores the importance of retrieving any personal information, settings, or files that users may have stored on their devices, ensuring that no valuable data is lost during this abrupt transition.
The company has also promised refunds to customers still within the 90-day return window, provided they submit their requests by February 27. Additionally, users who have been waiting for a replacement due to the device’s fire hazard issues and the problematic Charge Case will receive a refund for “the portion of [their] original purchase price that was allocated to the Charge Case.” This amount is specified as $149 if ordered separately or $129 if included in the “Complete System” bundle, providing some financial relief to affected customers.
The announcement regarding the discontinuation of the AI Pins follows the acquisition of Humane by HP, which purchased the company’s intellectual property for $116 million but appears uninterested in continuing its current hardware line. The AI Pin faced widespread criticism upon its launch, with many reviewers, including Cherlynn Low, deeming it “the solution to none of technology’s problems.” This negative feedback likely contributed to its swift downfall.
According to HP, the acquisition will integrate Humane’s “engineers, architects, and product innovators” into a newly formed team called HP IQ. This team is described as an “AI innovation lab” aimed at developing an intelligent ecosystem across HP’s products and services, targeting the future of work. The implications of this shift suggest a strategic pivot away from hardware towards a more integrated software and service-oriented approach in the tech landscape.
Reportedly, The New York Times highlighted last June that Humane was pursuing a $1 billion buyout after only securing 10,000 orders, with HP identified as a potential buyer. However, the passage of an additional seven months appears to have led Humane’s founders to accept a significantly lower offer, highlighting the challenges faced in the competitive tech market.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
