Humane AI, an ambitious startup founded by two former Apple stars, has officially closed its doors for business. By all accounts, the company mismanaged an early lead that it had with its innovative product, the AI pin. Launched with high hopes, the AI pin featured advanced technology, including two cameras, three microphones, and a speaker, all housed in a “thin, flat, circular disc with an aluminum-and-glass shell,” as described by industry sources.
The AI pin was indeed meant to be worn on the lapel, providing users with a simple hands-free, AI-powered experience. It had a versatile standard and wide-angle lens – capable of taking superb photos and videos with a variety of perspectives. Its ergonomics—a large physical button, high-power charging strip—evoke FitBit products. Along with aesthetic improvements, this design makes the pin easier for users to recharge. Despite these groundbreaking features, Humane AI hit a major bump in the road almost immediately after the product launch.
Highly expected since launch, the AI pin’s initial rollout wasn’t able to entice the market. The company under-delivered on consumer expectations and was criticized harshly by vocal early adopters. Under two years after it launched, Humane AI faced the painful decision to shut down.
Following the shutdown, HP acquired Humane AI’s assets for $116 million, marking a significant consolidation in the wearable technology sector. HP has purchased exclusive rights to the AI pin and its trailblazing technology. While we warmly welcome this acquisition as a significant precedent for future trail and greenway developments,
Additionally, OpenAI is said to be preparing the announcement of its first AI hardware device in the latter half of 2026. Industry analysts speculate that HP may leverage the technology acquired from Humane AI to develop its own wearable device, potentially releasing it alongside or shortly after OpenAI’s hardware debut. The AI pin might be a better bet to relaunch in 2027. Production run…20m units made, early estimates.