Hewlett-Packard Inc. (HP) is acquiring parts of Humane, the consumer electronics startup behind the wearable AI Pin for $116 million. The deal includes most of Humane’s employees, software and intellectual property, but does not include the AI Pin, a much-hyped device launched in 2024, which allows users to access AI models, calls, and texts, via voice or gestures.
The AI Pin was originally pitched as an eventual smartphone replacement, however it did not take off. Bad reviews and safety issues eventually turned the launch into a cautionary tale.
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The company announced, through a post on its website, that it had already paused new purchases of the consumer AI Pin and existing devices would stop their regular function on Feb. 28. The pins will no longer connect to Humane’s servers and center access will be fully retired after the February 2025 deadline, the company claimed.
Humane also encouraged users to download any data stored on the pins as it plans to permanently wipe “all remaining customer data” at the same time as switching its servers off.
Humane’s team including founders Imran Chaudari and Bethany Bongiorno would form a new division in HP, to help integrate AI into the company’s personal computers, conference rooms, and printers.
HP has been trying to strengthen its position in the growing AI market, with the company introducing a series of computers with chips designed for AI applications in 2024.
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“This investment will rapidly accelerate our ability to develop a new generation of devices that seamlessly orchestrate AI requests both locally and in the cloud,” said Tuan Tran, president of technology and innovation at HP in a statement.
“Humane’s AI platform Cosmos, backed by an incredible group of engineers, will help us create an intelligent ecosystem across all HP devices, from AI PCs to smart printers and connected conference rooms. This will unlock new levels of functionality for our customers and deliver on the promises of AI,” he added.