Humane AI Pin: The End of a Journey
In the tech world, new innovations occasionally stir excitement and anticipation. However, not all of them enjoy lasting success. One such product, the Humane AI Pin, is now being retired after less than a year on the market. This article delves into HP’s acquisition of Humane’s assets, the performance of the AI Pin, and what this means for the companies involved.
HP’s Acquisition of Humane
A Major Deal
This week, HP announced its plan to acquire certain assets from Humane for a staggering $116 million. The deal is expected to close at the end of the month. As part of this acquisition, HP will gain:
- Over 300 patents and patent applications
- A small number of Humane employees, including co-founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno
- The Cosmos operating system, which was intended to power the AI Pin
There were initial ambitions for the Cosmos operating system to be licensed to other companies, enabling integration with various devices like cars. Unfortunately, those plans did not come to fruition during Humane’s brief run.
The Rise and Fall of the AI Pin
Promising Beginnings
Humane AI Pin emerged as the “next big thing” in late 2023, showcasing a wearable device that featured a ChatGPT-powered assistant and a laser-projected display. The device aimed to reshape the way users interacted with technology by potentially replacing traditional smartphones.
Critical Reception
However, when the AI Pin officially launched in 2024, reviews were less than glowing. Some key issues reported included:
- Frequent overheating problems
- An unreliable AI that often misinterpreted commands (referred to as "hallucinations")
- Minimal features that users found useful
- An irritating projector feature that detracted from the user experience
Due to the lukewarm reception, sales of the AI Pin halted. In a rather surprising move, Humane plans to refund those who purchased the device after November 15, 2024. As a result, current users will face a complete shutdown of core features as of February 28, 2025, at noon Pacific time. Although users can check their battery status, their data will be permanently deleted, so they are encouraged to back it up soon.
HP’s Future Plans with Humane’s Technology
New Innovations Ahead
HP’s strategy for the future includes integrating the Cosmos AI operating system into its existing range of products. The company hopes that this will unlock new capabilities for its customers. Additionally, Humane engineers will join forces to create an innovation lab known as HP IQ. This team aims to develop smart features across HP’s suite of products; let’s hope this also means addressing some long-standing printer issues!
Recent Tech Highlights
Apple’s Vision Pro Update
In other tech news, Apple is set to improve its Vision Pro headset with a new guest mode, slated for release along with visionOS 2.4 in April. This new feature will allow guests to try the headset without requiring the owner to authenticate first. Some features of this update include:
- Notifications for owners to allow guest access
- Options for owners to restrict the apps guests can access
- A new Spatial Gallery app that curates content tailored for the Vision Pro headset
This improvement aims to enhance the overall experience and make it more user-friendly for everyone involved.
Eero Introduces Affordable Wi-Fi 7 Routers
Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve, and Eero has recently launched more budget-friendly options for Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers. These new models include the Eero 7, which promises wireless speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps and covers up to 4,000 square feet in a two-pack configuration. Key features of the Eero 7 include:
- Dual-band (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz) support
- Enhanced WPA3 security
- Improved connectivity options for multiple devices
As Wi-Fi 7 becomes increasingly popular, these budget-friendly routers aim to provide consumers with access to the latest technology without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The story of Humane AI Pin is one of high hopes and disappointing results. With HP acquiring many of its assets, the future of the technology initially promised by Humane is uncertain but holds potential within HP’s established framework. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, let’s keep an eye on these developments and any new innovations they might bring to the market.
