Humane AI Pin: The End of an Era

Humane has officially ceased sales and services for its AI Pin, marking the discontinuation of a gadget that struggled to win over early users. The company announced on its website that the device, along with its connectivity and AI services, will be deactivated within 10 days, effectively rendering it useless for existing owners.

Transition and Acquisition

In a recent statement, Humane revealed that the shutdown comes as part of its transition following an offer from HP to acquire its assets. Although a Bloomberg report mentioned a deal valued at $116 million, Humane has yet to confirm this detail. Previously, the company had been rumored to seek between $750 million and $1 billion from potential buyers.

On its website, Humane commented that it is "winding down the AI Pin as we are moving onto new endeavors," promising additional details about its future plans in due course.

A Promising Start That Faltered

Launched a year ago, the AI Pin was introduced as a revolutionary wearable, designed to leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence without the need for a traditional display. Instead, the device used voice prompts and projected words and images directly onto the user's palm.

Priced at $699 with an ongoing subscription fee of $24 per month for full access to its AI features, the device initially generated considerable buzz. However, early reviews—such as one from MKBHD titled "The worst product I’ve ever reviewed … for now"—were highly critical. Digital Trends described it as resembling "a miserable smartphone replacement," highlighting issues like buggy functionality that ultimately marred the user experience.

Details of the Shutdown

Humane provided an FAQ on its website outlining the steps being taken:

• Immediate Wind Down: The AI Pin is no longer available for purchase.
• Service Termination: From February 28 at 12 p.m. PT, the device will cease to connect to Humane’s servers.
• Data Deletion: All customer data, including personally identifiable information (PII), will be permanently removed from the servers.

Refund Policy

For those who have purchased the device, Humane has clarified the refund conditions:

• Automatic Cancellation: Orders that have not completed onboarding will be automatically canceled, with customers receiving a full refund.
• Return Window: Refunds are available only to customers within 90 days of the device’s original shipment date. Specifically, only orders shipped on or after November 15, 2024, are eligible for a refund. All requests must be submitted by February 27, 2025. Orders shipped before November 15, 2024, will not qualify for a refund.

The discontinuation of the AI Pin is a significant disappointment for early adopters who had hoped for software updates or even a second version of the device. While the initiative is recognized for its bold attempt to innovate, the premature launch of the product ultimately led to its downfall.