Humane has announced the discontinuation of its AI Pin and the sale of its core technology and patents to HP for $116 million. Existing AI Pin devices will remain functional until February 28, 2025, after which they will lose cloud-based capabilities, including calling, messaging, and AI interactions.
The company urges users to back up their stored photos, videos, and notes before the shutdown to prevent data loss. Some offline functions, such as checking the battery level, will still work, but most features that rely on cloud connectivity will cease to function.
Humane has also outlined its refund policy, stating that only devices within the 90-day return window from the original shipment date are eligible for refunds, with requests required by February 27, 2025.
Users who have paid for subscriptions beyond the shutdown date will receive prorated refunds. Additionally, those awaiting replacement charging cases due to a recall will automatically be refunded the portion of their original purchase price allocated to the charging case after February 28, 2025.
As part of the acquisition, HP will take over Humane’s CosmOS operating system, onboard its technical staff, and acquire over 300 patents and pending patent applications. Humane had initially showcased the AI Pin in a high-profile TED demo and promotional video, but the device received heavy criticism upon its official launch in April 2024.
Reviewers, including The Verge and MKBHD, slammed the AI Pin for poor functionality and usability issues. Reports later indicated that returns were outpacing sales, prompting a price reduction in October.
Despite initially seeking a buyer at a valuation of $1 billion, Humane settled for the $116 million deal with HP. The sale marks the end of the AI Pin’s journey, highlighting the challenges of launching new AI-driven wearable devices in a competitive market.
