![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="422px" width="750px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
On Tuesday, Humane confirmed that HP has acquired most of its assets for $116 million, bringing an abrupt end to the company’s AI Pin venture. Effective immediately, the hardware startup is halting sales of its $499 AI Pin, a device once positioned as a smartphone alternative. Customers who have already purchased the AI Pin have been informed that the device will cease functioning by 12 p.m. PST on February 28, 2025, as stated in a blog post by the company.
After that deadline, AI Pins will lose connection to Humane’s servers, rendering them incapable of making calls, sending messages, handling AI queries, or accessing cloud services. Humane has advised users to back up important photos and data externally before the shutdown. Additionally, customer support for the AI Pin will be discontinued on the same date. According to an FAQ released by Humane, customers who purchased an AI Pin within the last 90 days qualify for a refund, while those who bought the device earlier do not.
The news marks the end of a once-promising hardware startup that generated significant buzz when it launched the AI Pin in April 2024. Founded by former Apple employees Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, Humane raised over $230 million to develop the product. However, despite the hype, the AI Pin fell short of expectations, leading to a challenging period for the company. Reports from The Verge revealed that by last summer, return rates had surpassed sales, further exacerbating the company’s struggles. The situation worsened when Humane issued a warning advising users to stop using the device’s charging case due to battery fire risks. In October, the company responded to sluggish sales by cutting the AI Pin’s price from $699 to $499.
With this acquisition, HP is integrating Humane’s engineers and product managers into a newly formed division called HP IQ. This new unit will serve as an “AI innovation lab,” aiming to build intelligent solutions across HP’s product ecosystem to enhance the future of work. Additionally, HP is gaining access to Humane’s technology, including its CosmOS AI operating system. Humane had recently hinted at the versatility of CosmOS through an advertisement showcasing its potential use in car infotainment systems, smart speakers, televisions, and Android smartphones. This acquisition could enable HP to incorporate AI capabilities into its personal computing and printing products.
Interestingly, Humane had previously sought acquisition in May 2024 at a significantly higher valuation, reportedly aiming for a deal between $750 million and $1 billion, according to Bloomberg. However, the final deal with HP was reached at a much lower price, reflecting the company’s struggles in the market.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="250px" width="250px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
