Humane has officially announced the end of its AI Pin project following a $116 million asset acquisition by HP. Effective immediately, the startup is discontinuing sales of the $499 wearable device. Customers have been notified that all AI Pins will cease functioning on February 28, 2025, at 12 p.m. PST, as the company prepares to shut down its servers.
Device Shutdown and Data Migration
Once the February 28 deadline passes, the AI Pins will lose all connectivity to Humane’s servers. This renders the hardware incapable of processing AI queries, messaging, calls, or cloud access. The company is urging all users to transfer their photos and critical data to external storage devices before the cutoff date. Furthermore, Humane will dissolve its dedicated customer support team for the product on the same day.
Regarding financial recourse, an official FAQ states that only customers who purchased their device within the last 90 days are eligible for a refund. Users who acquired the hardware prior to this window will not receive compensation.
From High Hopes to Market Failure
This acquisition marks a somber end for the Bay Area startup, which raised over $230 million from investors. Founded by former Apple employees, the company debuted the AI Pin in April 2024 with the ambitious goal of replacing the smartphone. Despite the initial hype, the product faced severe technical and market headwinds.
The device struggled with negative reviews and a return rate that eventually outpaced sales. Compounding these issues, the company issued a safety warning advising users to stop using the device’s charging case due to potential fire hazards. Even a $200 price cut in October—reducing the cost from $699 to $499—failed to stabilize the product’s market viability.
HP’s Strategy: Integrating CosmOS
As part of the deal, HP is absorbing Humane’s product managers and engineers to form a new division called “HP IQ.” This group will function as an AI innovation lab tasked with integrating intelligent ecosystems into HP’s broad portfolio of services and products.
Beyond human capital, HP has secured rights to Humane’s proprietary technology, most notably the CosmOS AI operating system. With potential applications ranging from smart speakers and car entertainment systems to PCs and printers, HP aims to leverage this software to bolster its future hardware offerings. This sale represents a significant drop in valuation for Humane, which had reportedly explored acquisition offers between $750 million and $1 billion as recently as May 2024.
For more details on the transition, refer to the official update provided by Humane.