Humane AI, the company behind the popular wearable AI pin, is being acquired by HP, leading to the discontinuation of the product. Users are being informed that their AI pins will cease to function after February 28, 2025, as the company’s servers will no longer support them. All features of the AI pin, including calling, messaging, AI queries, and cloud access, will be disabled, and all consumer data will be deleted on that date. Users are advised to sync their pins and download any stored data before the deadline to prevent data loss.
CNET’s Scott Stein reviewed the Humane AI pin in April 2024 and found it to be a novel but cumbersome device. Priced at $699, the pin offered features like language translation and camera functionality, but struggled with voice activation and overheating issues. While the device could read aloud, identify objects, and describe surroundings, it often encountered inaccuracies in its responses. For example, when asked to identify a can of sparkling water, it mistakenly provided information about a movie instead. Despite some positive aspects, the overall execution and usability of the AI pin fell short of expectations.
With HP’s acquisition of Humane AI, the future of the wearable technology remains uncertain. While the company has decided to discontinue the AI pin and shut down its servers, it is unclear if HP plans to incorporate any of Humane’s technology into its own products. The rapid timeline for the discontinuation of the device has caught many users by surprise, leaving them with limited time to transition away from their AI pins. As the February 28, 2025 deadline approaches, users are urged to take necessary steps to backup their data and prepare for the cessation of service.
The wearable AI pin, once touted as a futuristic communication device resembling a Star Trek communicator, failed to live up to its potential in the eyes of many users. Despite its innovative features and capabilities, the device struggled with technical limitations and usability issues that hindered its widespread adoption. While some users appreciated the AI pin for its unique functions like language translation and object recognition, others found it frustrating to use due to its lack of connectivity with smartphones and overheating problems. The discontinuation of the product marks the end of a short-lived era in wearable AI technology.
As the AI pin fades into obsolescence, it serves as a reminder of the challenges in developing and bring commercializing cutting-edge AI technology. While wearable devices continue to evolve and integrate AI capabilities, the failure of the Humane AI pin highlights the importance of seamless integration, user-friendly design, and reliable performance in the consumer electronics market. As HP takes over Humane AI and moves in a new direction, the fate of the wearable AI technology remains uncertain. Users who have invested in the AI pin are now faced with the task of transitioning to alternative devices and platforms as they bid farewell to their futuristic communication companion.
