HP is acquiring the Humane platform and team for $116 million. The company announced that it would stop selling AI Pins and sell most of its assets to HP. Humane stated that AI pins that have already been purchased will continue to function normally until 3 PM ET on February 28th, so it’s gone, but HP will now have all access.
After this date, AI Pins will no longer connect to Humane’s servers, disabling features including calling, messaging, AI queries, responses, and cloud access. Humane advises users to download any pictures, videos, and notes stored on their devices before permanently deleting them. Some offline features, such as monitoring the battery level, will still work, but anything requiring cloud connectivity will cease functioning.
The company will offer refunds for AI Pins within the 90-day return window from their original shipment date. Refunds must be submitted by February 27th, 2025. Subscriptions paid past February 28th will be prorated for a refund.
HP acquires Humane’s AI Pins
Customers waiting for a replacement charging case will automatically receive a refund for the portion of their original purchase price allocated to it after February 28th, 2025. HP is acquiring Humane’s CosmOS, along with more than 300 patents and patent applications, and is bringing on Humane’s technical staff.
Humani’s founders, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, will form a new division at HP to help integrate artificial intelligence into HP’s personal computers, printers, and connected conference rooms. The new team, HP IQ, will be HP’s AI innovation lab focused on building an intelligent ecosystem across HP’s products and services. Despite an onstage demo at TED and a reveal video, the AI Pin had a problematic launch in April 2024, receiving scathing reviews.
MKBHD noted it “just doesn’t work” and echoed similar sentiments. Humane initially sought a buyer at a price as high as $1 billion, which is significantly higher than HP’s $116 million acquisition price. The AI Pin’s sales were reportedly outpaced by daily returns, forcing the company to reduce its price and explore other avenues for its CosmOS operating system.
Humane will officially cease operations related to the AI Pin by the end of February 2025. HP’s acquisition marks a new chapter for the company’s technology and personnel.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
