San Francisco-based startup Humane, which once promised to reshape the tech landscape with its wearable AI device, has shut down after receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews.
The company, which managed to raise $230 million in funding and gain backing from prominent Silicon Valley investors, could not live up to the expectations it had set.
Its ambitious Ai Pin, a screenless AI-powered wearable, was meant to be the next evolution in personal technology but failed to deliver a satisfactory user experience.
The Rise and Hype Surrounding Humane
Humane was founded by former Apple employees with a vision to create a seamless AI-powered experience that did not rely on screens.
Their flagship product, the Ai Pin, was introduced as a device that would allow users to interact with AI through voice commands and projection technology. The idea was to provide an alternative to smartphones by enabling hands-free AI interactions.
The concept of the Ai Pin was met with significant excitement. Investors such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Salesforce’s Marc Benioff were quick to back the project, and Humane secured massive funding rounds that brought its valuation to $850 million.
The company generated significant media attention, and many in the tech industry were eager to see if Humane could truly revolutionize how people interacted with AI.
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The Ai Pin was priced at $699, which positioned it as a premium device. It relied on voice recognition and a small projector to display information on the user’s hand or nearby surfaces.
Humane promised that the device would be an intelligent assistant that could perform tasks such as answering questions, providing real-time updates, and integrating seamlessly with other technology.
The Downfall: Poor Performance and Harsh Reviews
Despite the excitement and high expectations, the Ai Pin failed to impress users and reviewers when it launched. Many early adopters and tech analysts found the device frustrating to use, with performance issues that made it unreliable.
The AI assistant often struggled to understand commands correctly, and the projection-based display was difficult to read in many lighting conditions.
One of the most scathing reviews came from YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who called the Ai Pin “bad at almost everything it does.” His review, titled “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed… For Now,” quickly went viral, garnering 8.5 million views.
Other tech publications also criticized the device. The Verge described it as a “phone without a screen” that was “not even close” to being useful. Wired’s review echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Ai Pin was “too bare-bones and not all that useful.”
As negative reviews poured in, it became clear that Humane had not delivered a product that met consumer expectations. Reports later surfaced that the company had anticipated a negative reception. According to The New York Times, Humane’s founders warned employees to “brace themselves” for bad reviews ahead of the launch.
Humane’s Closure and HP’s Acquisition
With mounting criticism and disappointing sales, Humane quickly faced an uncertain future. Within weeks of the Ai Pin’s launch, the company reportedly began discussions about a potential sale. Eventually, HP Inc. stepped in and agreed to acquire Humane’s software, patents, and employees for $116 million.
HP’s president of technology and innovation, Tuan Tran, stated that the company plans to integrate Humane’s AI platform into its existing product ecosystem, including AI-powered PCs, smart printers, and connected conference rooms. However, this acquisition marks the end of Humane as an independent company.
For customers who purchased the Ai Pin, the shutdown means that their devices will soon become obsolete. Humane announced that the Ai Pin service will officially shut down on February 28, and all user data will be permanently deleted.
While the company is offering refunds for devices bought after November 15, many early adopters will be left with a device that no longer functions. Humane advised customers to recycle their Ai Pins through an e-waste program.
Humane’s failure highlights the challenges of developing and marketing innovative tech products. Despite significant investment and media attention, the company could not overcome the fundamental flaws in its product design and execution.
The Ai Pin’s poor performance ultimately led to Humane’s downfall, serving as a cautionary tale for future startups aiming to revolutionize the tech industry.
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