Humane, the startup who developed the device «AI Pin», is evaluating a possible sale after the disappointing debut of its first product. The company, led by former Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, is looking for a buyer willing to pay between $750 million and $1 billion, according to a report from Bloomberg.
He AI Pinwhich was released in April 2024, has come under fire due to its software and hardware. This is a device wearable Designed to be an alternative to smartphones, using voice commands and a camera to interact with the user.
However, the lack of a traditional screen and the reliance on a laser projection system on the palm of the hand have been points of controversy. Critics point out that The device is slow in its responses, has overheating problems and very limited battery life, between two and four hours. Additionally, the AI Pin costs $700 USD plus a monthly subscription of $24 USD.
Humane for sale
Bloomberg reports that Humane has been working with a financial advisor to explore selling the company. Potential buyers could include tech giants such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft, although it is unclear how much value Humane’s intellectual property could bring to its ongoing efforts in artificial intelligence.
He AI Pin was created to reduce dependence on smartphones, but its execution has been criticized for its inconsistent interface and limited functionality. The operating system developed by Humane, called Cosmos, did not meet expectations. American media and analysts have described the product as “underdeveloped”, highlighting slow voice responses and usability problems. Marques Brownlee, the well-known youtuber of technology, said that the AI Pin is: “the worst product I have ever reviewed.”
The company have tried to improve the device by updating firmware and recently incorporated OpenAI’s GPT-4o model to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities. However, the overall perception remains negative, and the sale of Humane appears to be a direct response to these challenges.
