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The Fall of the Humane Ai Pin: A Cautionary Tale in Tech Innovation
The ambitious Humane Ai Pin, touted as a potential alternative to conventional smartphones, has failed to gain traction in the market, leading to its imminent discontinuation. Originally introduced at a price point of $699, the device mandated users to subscribe to T-Mobile’s service for an additional $24 per month, allowing access to necessary phone number and data coverage. A notable feature was its laser projector, which transformed the palm of the user’s hand into a display for interactions with an AI chatbot.
In a surprising turn of events, it was announced that HP is acquiring Humane’s Ai technology and its team for $116 million. However, this acquisition does not include a revival for the Ai Pin, as the device will be shut down permanently. Instead, HP is set to benefit from Humane’s intellectual property and a skilled workforce, enhancing its portfolio in the tech ecosystem.
The demise of the Humane Ai Pin underscores the significant challenges faced by tech companies striving to introduce groundbreaking products that could replace smartphones. For years, the tech community has anticipated augmented reality smart glasses as the next game-changer. Nevertheless, the reality is that such innovations remain a few years away from mainstream acceptance.
For current owners of the Ai Pin, there is still a limited time to utilize the device, which will function normally until 3 PM on February 28th. After that deadline, all connectivity to Humane’s servers will cease, meaning features that depend on cloud access, including making phone calls and messaging, will no longer be available. Users are advised to back up any important content such as photos, videos, or messages before the imminent shutdown.
Tuan Tran, President of Technology and Innovation at HP, expressed optimism regarding the acquisition: “This investment will rapidly accelerate our ability to develop a new generation of devices that seamlessly orchestrate AI requests both locally and in the cloud. Humane’s AI platform Cosmos, supported by a talented engineering team, will help us create an intelligent ecosystem across all HP devices from AI PCs to smart printers and connected conference rooms. This will unlock new levels of functionality for our customers and fulfill the promises of AI.”
Compounding the negativity surrounding the Ai Pin, its original charging case faced a recall, with customers promised an automatic refund for the case’s original purchase cost allocated after February 28, 2025. The product’s launch in April drew criticism, notably from tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, who classified the device as the worst he had ever reviewed. His assessment raises questions about past failed devices, such as the BlackBerry Storm 9530, highlighting the high stakes involved in the current tech landscape.
The fate of the Humane Ai Pin serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with technological innovation and the difficulties in shifting consumer habits away from established devices.
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www.phonearena.com