Humane’s $700 AI Pins: A Bold ‘Middle Finger’ to Refund Policies Sparks Outrage

"Humane's $700 AI Pins Ignite Outrage Over Refund Policy"

Humane is shutting down after launching its AI Pin, leaving most customers without refunds as devices become unusable on February 28, 2024.

Sam Gupta20 February 2025Last Update : 2 days ago

Someone wearing and pressing a Humane AI Pin

arstechnica.com

Humane’s AI Pin, launched in April 2024, is set to become non-functional on February 28, 2025. This decision leaves many customers frustrated, as most will not receive refunds for the $700 device that has now dropped to $500. How did a promising tech innovation turn into a costly mistake for users?

6 Key Takeaways

Humane's AI Pin will be discontinued.
Refunds only for eligible customers.
HP acquires AI Pin assets for $116 million.
Humane raised $241 million before launch.
AI Pins become e-waste after February 28.
Company shifting focus to new endeavors.

Fast Answer: Humane’s AI Pin will cease to function on February 28, 2025, leaving customers with little recourse for refunds. The company is shifting focus and selling off key assets, including its operating system, to HP for $116 million.

Humane’s AI Pin: A Cautionary Tale for Tech Consumers

What happens when a tech product fails to deliver? The AI Pin’s demise serves as a stark reminder. Initially valued at $1 billion, the device promised cutting-edge features but fell short, leading to its discontinuation.

Warning! Many customers in the U.S. face significant losses due to the shutdown of the AI Pin. With refunds limited, this situation highlights the risks of investing in unproven technology.

The Rise and Fall of Humane’s AI Pin: Key Takeaways

Humane’s AI Pin was marketed as a revolutionary wearable device, but its rapid decline raises questions about consumer trust in tech startups. Here are some critical points to consider:

The AI Pin will no longer connect to servers after February 28, 2025.
Most users will not receive refunds unless within a strict 90-day return window.
Humane is selling its operating system and patents to HP for $116 million.
The device, initially priced at $700, is now considered e-waste for many.

Customer Impact: What You Need to Know

The shutdown of the AI Pin significantly impacts customers who invested in the device. With no ability to port phone numbers or access features, users are left with a device that will soon be useless. This raises concerns about the responsibilities of tech companies toward their customers.

Future of Wearable Technology: Lessons Learned

Humane’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for future wearable technology. Companies must prioritize customer support and product reliability to build trust. As consumers, how can we safeguard ourselves against similar disappointments in the tech market?

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Humane?

While Humane is discontinuing the AI Pin, it plans to explore new ventures. The sale of its assets to HP could signal a shift in focus, but will it regain consumer trust? Only time will tell if the company can rebound from this setback.