Humane, a technology startup specializing in AI devices, has been acquired by HP for $116 million. The acquisition will lead to the discontinuation of Humane’s AI Pin, a device that aimed to replace smartphones.
Customers with existing AI Pins have been notified that the devices will become inoperable on February 28, 2025, at 12 PM PST. After this date, they will no longer have access to calling, messaging, AI responses, or cloud storage. Humane advises users to transfer important data to external devices promptly.
Humane’s customer support team for the AI Pin will also be dissolved on February 28.
Humane was founded in 2024 by former Apple employees and gained attention for its AI Pin launch in April 2024. However, the device received mixed reviews and faced criticism from consumers, resulting in a return rate that exceeded sales.
HP’s acquisition of Humane will bring the startup’s engineers and product managers on board. They will form the foundation of a new group within HP called HP IQ, which is dedicated to developing an “intelligent ecosystem” across HP’s products and services.
Humane’s CosmOS AI operating system will also be integrated into HP’s products, including PCs and printers. This technology has the potential to enhance AI capabilities in HP’s devices.
Prior to the acquisition, Humane had reportedly sought to be purchased for a significantly higher price, ranging between $750 million and $1 billion. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment on the acquisition.
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