AI Pin to shut down as HP buys Humane

The AI Pin, once marketed as a smartphone replacement, will stop functioning by February 28, 2025, at 12 PM PST, rendering it unusable for calls, messaging, AI interactions, and cloud services

In a significant move in the AI wearables market, HP has acquired AI hardware startup Humane for $116 million. The acquisition, announced on February 18, comes with the immediate shutdown of Humane's AI Pin, a $499 wearable device that launched in April 2024. The AI Pin, marketed as a potential replacement for smartphones, will cease to function by February 28, 2025, at 12 PM PST. After this date, the device will no longer connect to Humane's servers, making it unusable for calls, messaging, AI interactions, or cloud services.

Humane informed its customers of the AI Pin shutdown, urging them to back up their data before the service is terminated. Customer support for the AI Pin will also be discontinued on the same day. In a blog post, Humane explained, "We are writing to inform you that, effective immediately, we are winding down the consumer AI Pin as our business priorities have shifted."

HP strengthens AI portfolio

Founded by former Apple employees Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, Humane raised over $230 million to develop the AI Pin. The device, however, struggled to gain traction in the AI wearable tech market. Early users expressed dissatisfaction, with returns reportedly surpassing sales by mid-2024. The AI Pin also faced safety issues, with warnings about its charging case, which posed fire hazards. In a bid to spark interest, Humane reduced the device’s price by $200 in October 2024, but the impact was minimal.

Humane had initially sought a much higher acquisition deal, with expectations of a valuation between $750 million and $1 billion. Instead, HP bought Humane at a significantly lower valuation. Following the acquisition, HP plans to integrate Humane's engineers and product managers into its new HP IQ division, focusing on AI innovation across HP products, including PCs and printers. Additionally, HP will acquire Humane's CosmOS AI operating system, designed for use across a variety of devices, including cars, smart speakers, and Android phones.

This Humane acquisition by HP marks the company's push into the rapidly growing AI wearables market, though it remains to be seen how Humane's technology will be incorporated into HP's broader product lineup.