The Humane AI Pin, once envisioned as a groundbreaking device beyond smartphones, is set to cease operations at the end of February 2025 after its acquisition by HP.

Customers who bought the AI Pin for $700 within the last 90 days can request refunds, but earlier purchasers have not been offered any compensation.

HP Inc. has acquired assets from Humane Inc. for $116 million, including most of its employees and software platform.

Despite initial excitement and endorsements, the AI Pin failed to meet performance expectations, receiving negative reviews from tech critics.

The device was heavily marketed but suffered from poor performance, lacking essential features and frequently malfunctioning.

The high price tag and subscription model contributed to disappointing sales, with reports indicating more returns than purchases shortly after launch.

A significant factor in the pin's failure was its lack of integration with smartphones, which are essential for modern tech devices.

Ultimately, the AI Pin's troubled market presence lasted less than a year, leading to its discontinuation due to reliability issues.

Investors and customers faced substantial financial losses, with estimates suggesting investors lost at least 50% of their investments.

Humane's failure is seen as one of the most notable device failures in recent years, characterized by unmet expectations and an abrupt shutdown.

In light of the product's discontinuation, Humane expressed gratitude to early adopters while acknowledging a shift in business priorities.

The situation exemplifies the trend of IoT devices becoming e-waste when companies cease support, raising concerns about consumer responsibility.