Buzzy startup humane shuts down after disastrous reviews

Humane, a San Francisco-based startup that focused on wearable technology, has officially ceased operations in February 2025 after its product, the Ai Pin, garnered predominantly negative reviews. The wearable device was designed to function as an AI assistant, enabling users to ask questions and provide voice commands through a pin. Despite raising $230 million from prominent investors, including Sam Altman and Marc Benioff, the product failed to deliver on expectations, leading to substantial consumer disappointment. Reports in late 2023 revealed that the Ai Pin had significant performance issues that detracted from its intended capabilities. As negative reviews circulated following its November 2023 launch, Humane's founders anticipated backlash and advised staff to prepare for potential criticism. Notable tech reviewers, including Marques Brownlee, highlighted the device's flaws, further complicating the startup's standing in the competitive technology landscape. Reviews branded the Ai Pin as lacking practical utility, with some suggesting it functioned like a phone without a screen. In a move to salvage its business, Humane engaged in discussions with HP Inc. for a sale shortly after the initial reviews became public. HP agreed to purchase Humane's software, patents, and staff for approximately $116 million. This acquisition aims to incorporate Humane’s AI platform into HP's suite of devices, emphasizing an intelligent ecosystem for future technology applications. The closing of this deal is set to conclude by the end of February 2025, coinciding with the termination of service for the Ai Pin. Consumers who invested in the device, which retailed between $499 and $699, faced the disappointment of losing functionality and support for the product. While Humane planned to offer some refunds for recently purchased pins, the broader consequences of this failure highlighted the risks inherent in high-stakes start-up culture and the challenges of meeting consumer expectations in a rapidly evolving technology market.