HP Acquires Humane’s AI Assets, Marking the End of the AI Pin

Introduction

Humane, once a promising AI wearable company, has succumbed to the pitfalls of the AI hype cycle. Its ambitions and $850 million valuation have dwindled to a mere $116 million acquisition by legacy tech giant Hewlett-Packard (HP). This transaction signifies the end of Humane as a standalone entity and the bricklaying of its AI Pin devices.

HP’s Ambitions in AI

HP’s acquisition of Humane’s CosmOS operating system, IP, technical expertise, and patents is a strategic move to bolster its AI capabilities. The company aims to integrate CosmOS into a wide range of devices, including PCs, printers, and conference rooms. HP’s goal is to create a seamless AI ecosystem that orchestrates AI requests both locally and in the cloud.

Tuan Tran, HP’s former president of printing and now lead of the company’s AI endeavors, emphasized the significance of CosmOS’ ability to utilize both on-device and cloud-based AI models. This aligns with the current trend among tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, who are heavily investing in AI-powered products.

The Demise of Humane and the AI Pin

Humane’s demise can be attributed to several factors. The company’s initial product, the AI Pin, failed to meet expectations. Reviews criticized its slow response time, inaccuracy, and overall ineffectiveness. Additionally, Humane faced production issues, including a recall of its charging case due to fire hazards.

Sales of the AI Pin fell short of projections, prompting Humane to shift its focus to licensing its CosmOS operating system. However, this strategy was unsuccessful, leading to the company’s decline.

Humane’s Customers Left Disappointed

The sale to HP effectively ends the era of the AI Pin. All devices will cease functioning on February 28th, 2023. Humane has instructed customers to download any stored data before the cut-off date. Current owners can request a refund until February 27th or opt for a replacement battery pack.

The Future of AI Wearables

Despite Humane’s failures, the pursuit of AI-specific devices persists. Meta and other brands are expected to launch AI wearables in the coming year. However, the question remains whether consumers will embrace these devices given the recent disappointment with Humane’s offerings.

Lessons Learned

Humane’s fate serves as a cautionary tale for companies entering the AI wearable market. It highlights the challenges of developing and marketing effective AI products that offer genuine value to users. Additionally, it underscores the importance of managing expectations and delivering products that live up to their promises.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Humane by HP marks a significant shift in the AI landscape. While HP aims to leverage Humane’s assets to enhance its AI capabilities, the demise of the AI Pin and Humane itself serves as a reminder of the complexities and pitfalls involved in the development and commercialization of AI-powered devices. The future of AI wearables remains uncertain, but consumers are likely to be more skeptical and discerning in the wake of Humane’s failure.