HP Acquires Humane for $116 Million: The End of AI Pin and a New AI Era
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A Surprising Tech Deal Shakes the Industry: HP Acquires Humane for $116 Million
HP just made headlines by acquiring Humane, the startup behind the ambitious AI Pin wearable, for $116 million. This deal marks the end of Humane’s short-lived AI Pin experiment. Meanwhile, HP gains cutting-edge AI tech and talent to boost its future products. Let’s unpack what this means for users, investors, and the tech world.
What Was the AI Pin?
Humane’s AI Pin launched in April 2024 as a smartphone replacement. The $699 device clipped to clothing, used voice commands, and projected lasers onto the user’s palm for interaction. It promised a futuristic, screen-free experience. However, the gadget faced harsh reviews. Critics called it slow, glitchy, and even risky due to battery overheating issues. By mid-2024, returns outpaced sales, and Humane slashed prices by $200 to clear stock.
Why Did HP Buy Humane?
HP isn’t keeping the AI Pin. Instead, it’s focusing on Humane’s AI software, patents, and engineers. The deal includes over 300 patents for AI and device integration, CosmOS (Humane’s AI operating system), and Humane’s team, including ex-Apple founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri. These leaders will now head HP’s new AI lab, HP IQ.
HP aims to use this tech to upgrade its PCs, printers, and conference systems. Tuan Tran, HP’s innovation president, said CosmOS will help create “AI ecosystems” blending cloud and local computing.
What Happens to AI Pin Owners?
If you own an AI Pin, act fast. Here’s what you need to know:
- Service ends February 28, 2025: After noon PST, devices lose calling, messaging, and AI features.
- Back up data now: Photos, videos, and notes stored on Humane’s cloud will vanish after shutdown.
- Refunds limited: Only buyers from the last 90 days (before November 2024) get refunds, and claims close February 27.
- Charging case recall: Users awaiting replacements will get refunds for that portion after February 28.
Offline functions like checking battery levels will still work, but the Pin becomes a paperweight for most uses.
Humane’s Rocky Road to $116 Million
Humane raised $230 million from big names like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Salesforce’s Marc Benioff. Initially, it sought a $1 billion buyout in mid-2024 but settled for far less. Experts blame its downfall on technical flaws, high expectations, and poor sales.
By late 2024, Humane pivoted to licensing CosmOS, hoping other companies would adopt its AI platform. HP’s acquisition validates this software-first strategy.
HP’s Big Bet on AI
HP’s move aligns with its push into AI-driven devices. Last year, it partnered with Microsoft on AI-powered “Copilot+ PCs.” Now, with Humane’s tech, HP plans to enhance PCs, upgrade printers, and revamp conference rooms with smarter features.
The HP IQ lab, led by Humane’s founders, will focus on making HP devices “experience-led” — intuitive and adaptive to user needs.
What This Means for the Tech World
The HP-Humane deal highlights two key trends: AI hardware is risky, and big tech wants AI software. For consumers, HP’s integration of CosmOS could mean smarter, faster devices. However, Humane’s shutdown reminds us that innovation often comes with growing pains.
FAQs About the HP-Humane Deal
1. Why did HP acquire Humane?
HP wanted Humane’s AI software (CosmOS), patents, and engineering team to boost its own AI-powered devices.
2. Will my AI Pin still work?
No. After February 28, 2025, it loses core features like calls and AI queries. Backup your data now.
3. Can I get a refund?
Only if you bought the AI Pin in the last 90 days (before November 2024). Submit claims by February 27.
4. What is HP IQ?
It’s HP’s new AI lab, led by Humane’s founders, focused on integrating AI into HP products.
5. What happens to Humane’s CosmOS?
HP will use it to improve AI features in PCs, printers, and conference systems.
Final Thoughts
HP’s Humane acquisition is a classic tech tale: a startup’s bold vision meets harsh reality, but its legacy lives on in bigger hands. While the AI Pin dies, its tech might soon power your next HP laptop or printer. For now, AI wearables remain a tough sell — but HP’s bet could change that.
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