Humane Shuts Down AI Pin and Sells to HP for $116 Million

Humane has announced it will stop selling the AI Pin and sell most of its company to HP for $116 million. According to a support document, AI Pins already in use will continue to function until 3 PM ET on February 28, 2025. After that, they will no longer connect to Humane’s servers, meaning features like calling, messaging, AI queries, and cloud access will cease.

Users are advised to download any saved pictures, videos, and notes before the shutdown to avoid losing their data permanently. Offline functions, such as checking battery levels, will still work, but anything requiring cloud connectivity — like voice interactions or access to the .Center platform — will stop functioning.

Humane will only offer refunds for Pins within the 90-day return window from the original shipment date, and requests must be submitted by February 27, 2025. Customers with subscriptions beyond the shutdown date will receive prorated refunds. Additionally, those waiting for a replacement charging case after its recall will automatically get a refund for that portion of their purchase.

HP Acquires Humane’s Tech and Team

As part of the acquisition, HP is buying Humane’s CosmOS software, taking on its technical staff, and acquiring more than 300 patents and patent applications. According to a press release, Humane’s team — including founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno — will join HP to lead a new division focused on integrating AI into personal computers, printers, and connected conference rooms.

This division, named HP IQ, will serve as HP’s innovation lab for building intelligent ecosystems across its products and services, aiming to shape the future of work with smarter, AI-powered solutions.

The Rise and Fall of the AI Pin

Humane generated significant buzz for the AI Pin before its release, showcasing it in a TED demo and an announcement video that had to be corrected after a major mistake. When the Pin finally launched in April 2024, it received harsh criticism: The Verge’s David Pierce wrote that “it just doesn’t work,” while MKBHD called it “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.”

Reports suggest Humane initially sought a buyer at a valuation of up to $1 billion, far higher than the $116 million HP ultimately paid. Sales struggled, with reports in August 2024 indicating that returns often outpaced purchases. In response, Humane slashed the Pin’s price in October.

Despite adding new features to CosmOS and attempting to pivot the software as a platform for other devices, Humane couldn’t turn the tide. Now, with HP absorbing the company’s assets and talent, the AI Pin’s legacy may serve as a cautionary tale — but its technology could still play a role in shaping future AI-driven products.