HP’s recent acquisition of Humane, a hardware startup specializing in AI Pins, has sparked internal turmoil and questions about the future of the product.
Humane’s AI Pins, once priced at $499, will cease sales and connection to the company’s servers on February 28. Consequently, these devices will lose their core functionality, including calling, messaging, AI assistance, and cloud access. Customers who have purchased an AI Pin within the last 90 days are eligible for refunds.
Following the acquisition, HP extended job offers with substantial salary increases to select Humane employees. However, other employees, particularly those closely involved with the AI Pin development, were reportedly laid off.
HP’s purchase of Humane’s assets for $116 million represents less than half of the $240 million the startup raised in venture capital funding. This acquisition raises concerns about the viability of AI-powered wearable devices and the future of Humane as a company.
Despite the internal chaos, HP’s acquisition of Humane could accelerate the integration of AI into other HP products, such as laptops and printers. It remains to be seen how HP will leverage Humane’s technology and expertise to enhance its existing lineup.
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