Humane's $699 AI Pin will be as smart as a doorknob following shutdown after sale to HP

Imagine dropping $699 on a gadget that’s about to become as useful as a paperweight. That’s the reality for owners of Humane’s AI Pin, which is set to lose its smarts after February 28, 2025. The device, once hailed as a game-changer in wearable tech, will soon be as smart as a doorknob once Humane shuts down its services.

The AI Pin was designed to be a screen-free way to interact with technology. You could pin it on your shirt and use voice commands to ask questions, set reminders, or even translate languages on the fly. It used a laser projection to show information on your hand, making it feel like something out of a sci-fi movie.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. While some early adopters loved the gadget, others had a vastly different take on it. Amongst these, one review stood out in particular. You guessed it! MKBHD’s video titled “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed… For Now.”

Many even joked that MKBHD singlehandedly killed the company with the video at the time. Fast forward to now and it seems like there might be a hint of truth to those jokes because Humane is pulling the plug. In an FAQ, they say they are “moving onto new endeavors”, so after February 28, 2025, the pin won’t be able to connect to the internet or do any of the smart things it was designed for. It’ll just show basic info like battery level and time, but that’s it. For $699, that’s a tough pill to swallow.

So what’s happening with the company? Well, HP has bought Humane for $116 million. They’re getting the AI platform, a bunch of patents, and even Humane’s founders are joining the team. It seems like HP is trying to get into the AI and wearable market, which is interesting because they’re mostly known for printers and laptops. Maybe they’re looking to make printers that understand voice commands or bring advanced AI to their laptops. Time will tell.

For AI Pin buyers, it’s a mixed bag. If your device was shipped on or after November 15, 2024, and you’re still within the 90-day return window, you can apply for a refund by February 27, 2025. But if you bought it earlier, you’re out of luck. That means many early adopters, who took a chance on the device when it first launched, are left with a pricey gadget that’s about to become useless.

This whole situation is a reminder of how risky the tech world can be. New gadgets promise the world, but if the company can’t keep the lights on, you’re left holding the bag. It’s a lesson for both startups and consumers. Innovation is great, but sustainability is key. Hopefully, HP can take what they’ve learned from Humane and create something new and exciting. But for now, it’s a tough break for AI Pin owners.