We are part of an AI revolution where companies actively bring out innovative and impactful products to mark their place in the industry. However, it seems that Humane is heading in a different direction. The company behind the Ai Pin is now discontinuing the device as HP is acquiring it for $116 million. Those who have gotten their hands on the AI-powered device meant to be an alternative to smartphones are left feeling disappointed due to the online functionality of the device ceasing on February 28, 2025. What once could be a promising product now seems like it never stood a chance in the first place, and customers express their dismay over it.
Ai Pin owners are left with only 10 days before their device goes offline
Tech giants are working arduously to bring more innovation and push the technology further. This is the same ambitious vision Humane, a startup founded by an ex-Apple veteran, had when it launched its Ai Pin. It was priced at $699 in November 2023 and came with a $24 monthly subscription. What was meant to be a futuristic alternative to smartphones turned out to be a disaster with the major problems it faced, ultimately leading to the company shutting down the Ai Pin.
This situation has left many users feeling rugged over investing a huge amount in a standalone AI device to find out now that the device is useless and obsolete without cloud support. While a refund option is available, it is only limited to those who have made the purchases within the 90-day return window, leaving those who got the device early feeling even more frustrated about the lack of compensation. Although @nearcyan on X shared about the offline features still being accessible, such as battery level, the lack of AI responses, voice interaction, and other core functions makes the device no longer helpful.
everyone who bought the $700 AI pin got literally rugged https://t.co/lK0bnd7lnq
— near (@nearcyan) February 19, 2025
Even before Humane decided to sell its assets to HP for $116 million and discontinue the Ai Pin, the AI-powered device was doomed to fail due to primarily the unrealistic goal of replacing smartphones, as the technology has not advanced enough for people to leave their phones just yet. Secondly, the device was overpriced, sitting at $699 for an AI device when you can get the iPhone 16 for $100 more truly does not make sense, especially with the performance issues it has, such as lagging, overheating, and weak battery life.
While the high price of the device had already deterred many of the potential buyers, those who did invest in the Ai Pin feel ripped off and view their purchase as a failed investment. What was meant to be a revolutionary AI wearable is now soon going to be shut down, and the ambitious vision would be left crumbled.
