Cover Image for Humane withdraws its charger for the AI Pin due to overheating issues.
Fri Nov 01 2024

Humane withdraws its charger for the AI Pin due to overheating issues.

The issues with the Humane AI Pin persist. On Thursday, the company announced a voluntary recall of the Pin's charging case due to a defect in the internal battery.

The situation with the Humane AI Pin is becoming increasingly complicated, with signs that it may be remembered as one of the most notable failures in the tech sector. Recent consequences have emerged, including criticisms questioning the need for the device, a number of returns exceeding sales, and a warning that its charging case could pose a "fire risk." In response, the company has decided to withdraw this case from the market.

The problem lies with the battery cells in the case, which were supplied by an external vendor. According to the information provided, these cells could overheat and cause a fire. In a recent statement, Humane announced that it would conduct a voluntary recall "out of an abundance of caution." It has clarified that only the charging case is the affected accessory, while the battery booster, the charging base, and the Pin itself do not present any issues.

The company blamed one of its battery suppliers, stating that "our investigation determined that the battery supplier failed to meet our quality standards and that the battery cells supplied by this vendor may pose a fire risk." Humane has terminated its business relationship with this supplier and is in the process of evaluating a new partner.

It is important to mention that, according to Humane, the recall originated after an isolated incident in which a user used a third-party USB-C cable and a power supply. No injuries or damages have been reported. While the tendency to ridicule a company that has received excessive attention is understandable, at least Humane has chosen to inform consumers and carry out the recall voluntarily, rather than handling the matter with silence to protect its image.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a statement with more details about the recall. Those who purchased the charging case separately will receive a refund of $149, while those who acquired it as part of the complete Humane AI Pin system will receive $129. Additionally, Humane will provide replacement charging cases, although delivery will not be immediate, with an estimated wait of three to six months. The CPSC notes that around 10,500 units are involved in this matter.

Finally, Humane advises owners of the charging case to "dispose of the product in accordance with any local and state laws" instead of throwing it in the trash, possibly to prevent a dangerous situation from recurring that would further complicate the company's critical situation.