"HP acquires assets from Humane AI and the AI pin will have a healthy ending."

HP has announced the acquisition of the artificial intelligence assets of Humane for a total of $116 million, which includes the absorption of some of its employees. This move also entails the cessation of production of the Humane AI Pin, a wearable computing device that was launched in November 2023. The AI Pin promised to revolutionize the way we interact with technology by eliminating the need for a screen, instead using a camera and a miniature projector to project information into the palm of the hand, facilitating interaction through voice and gestures.

However, the device faced an unfavorable reception, with very negative reviews from early users. In particular, influential content creator Marques Brownlee described it as "the worst product I've reviewed... so far." The criticism was accompanied by technical issues, including a battery clip that could pose a fire risk. This poor reputation led to the AI Pin being considered one of the most notable technological failures of 2024.

Despite this market failure, HP shows great confidence in the AI capabilities it will acquire from Humane. According to a company statement, Humane engineers will help create a smart ecosystem across all HP devices, from PCs to printers and connected conference rooms. This, HP claims, will unlock new levels of functionality and meet the expectations associated with artificial intelligence.

Humane co-founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri expressed their excitement in joining HP at this crucial moment for the industry, aiming to shape the future of smart experiences. Furthermore, it has been communicated that Humane Pins will stop connecting to the company’s cloud servers starting February 28, 2025.

The acquisition represents good news for enthusiasts of Humane AI, although users who invested $699 in the Pin may not be as satisfied. It is speculated that HP could offer discounts on future products that incorporate Humane technology.