The Hype Around Humane’s AI Pin
In May 2023, after a secretive development cycle, Imran Chaudri, co-founder of the company “Humane” alongside Bethany Bongiorno, introduced the “wearable AI pin” in a scripted TED Talk demo. The $700 pin generated significant hype, with the startup raising over $230 million from major investors like LG, Microsoft, Volvo, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, reaching a billion-dollar valuation.
The founders’ background as ex-Apple engineers who helped develop the original Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch added to the buzz. Even Time magazine named the Humane pin one of the “best inventions of the year” in October 2023.
Red Flags and Product Launch Failure
Despite the hype, there were red flags, such as the pin giving questionable advice about food allergies during the TED demo. When the pin finally launched, it was universally criticized. Contrary to initial claims, the battery died within hours, and the company sold extra batteries and a charging case, increasing the total cost.
In October 2024, the charging case was recalled due to lithium battery fire hazards. Humane was processing more returns and refunds than new sales, with only around 8,000 units not returned by June. The company even started forcing people to answer questions about why they wanted refunds.
Desperate Measures and HP Acquisition
Facing a failing product and financial losses, Humane sought a buyout from HP, initially seeking a valuation between $750 million and $1 billion. However, HP acquired Humane, its software, patents, and intellectual property for only $116 million, with no mention of the AI pin itself. Instead, HP focused on acquiring the “highly skilled technical talent.”
The Aftermath and Electronic Waste
Humane gave customers a limited 10-day window to pursue refunds before shutting down their servers and rendering the pins useless. Refunds were restricted to purchases from the prior 90 days, effectively leaving early adopters with a $700 paperweight. The company did not open-source the software, as it was sold to HP.
The Humane AI pin serves as an example of electronic waste designed to capitalize on tech trends. The complex components and manufacturing requirements are now useless garbage, while the founders and HP benefit from the acquisition.
A Cautionary Tale in the Age of AI Hype
The rise and fall of Humane’s AI pin highlight the risks of buying into and supporting overhyped new technologies. Despite institutional backing and media buzz, the product failed to deliver on its promises, leaving customers with expensive, non-functional devices.
As the tech industry continues to push the boundaries of AI and wearables, it is crucial for consumers to approach new products with caution and skepticism. The Humane AI pin serves as a stark reminder that not every hyped innovation will live up to its grand claims.
