Humane is shutting down service for a beleaguered AI pin after sale to HP. Some buyers won't get a refund.
Feb 19, 2025 - businessinsider.com
HP is acquiring parts of Humane's business for $116 million, including its employees, software, patents, and patent applications. This transaction is expected to close by the end of February. As part of the acquisition, Humane's co-founders, Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, will join HP's new AI innovation lab, HP IQ, which aims to develop an intelligent ecosystem for the future of work. Concurrently, Humane announced the immediate discontinuation of its AI Pin, a personal assistant device, and will halt device sales. The AI Pin will function until February 28, 2025, after which it will stop connecting to servers. Refunds will be offered to customers whose devices were shipped on or after November 15, 2024.
Launched in November 2023, the AI Pin was Humane's first product and was initially well-received, even making Time magazine's list of best inventions. However, it faced criticism over its design and features, leading to a price reduction from $699 to $499. Despite the negative reviews, Humane's co-founders had expressed optimism about the product's future, citing plans for software improvements and new features. The acquisition by HP marks a significant shift for Humane, as it integrates into HP's broader strategy for AI development.
Key takeaways:
HP is acquiring parts of Humane's business for $116 million, including employees, software, patents, and patent applications.
Humane is discontinuing its AI Pin, with devices ceasing to connect to servers after February 28, 2025.
Refunds will be offered for AI Pins shipped on or after November 15, 2024, with requests due by February 27, 2025.
Humane's co-founders will join HP's new AI innovation lab, HP IQ, to focus on building an intelligent ecosystem for the future of work.
