Humane Ai Pin Faces Criticism and Potential Sale
Days before gadget reviewers weighed in on the Humane Ai Pin, a futuristic wearable device powered by artificial intelligence, the founders of the company gathered their employees and warned them to brace themselves for potentially disappointing reviews. And disappoint, they did.
In April, reviewers brutally panned the new $699 product, calling it “totally broken” with “glaring flaws.” Some even went as far as to label it “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.” This negative feedback came after Humane had marketed the device for a year, raising high expectations with ads and appearances at events like Paris Fashion Week.
Following the scathing reviews, Humane began discussions with HP about a potential sale for over $1 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. Other potential buyers have also emerged, although talks have been informal so far.
Despite setbacks, including employee departures and a recall of the Ai Pin charging case due to a fire risk, Humane remains optimistic. The company has made updates to address the device’s issues, adding more voice navigation options and improving battery life.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Humane’s founders, Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, remain determined to push forward. As they navigate potential sales and funding rounds, they see the feedback from reviewers as a valuable gift that will help them improve and grow. With interest from businesses and plans to expand internationally, Humane is determined to overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger than ever.