Humane, the makers of the AI Pin, are currently facing significant challenges. Recently, they warned customers to stop using the charging pod immediately due to a critical safety issue. The company disclosed that the third-party battery cells in the Charge Case were faulty and could pose a fire safety risk. This revelation has added to the company’s ongoing troubles.
The Humane AI Pin, which costs $700, has been on the market for about a month and a half. Customers who purchased it received an email urging them to stop using the charging pod immediately. The Verge first reported this news, but it quickly spread online as customers posted the email. According to Humane, they received a single report of the faulty charging pod being used with a third-party USB-C cable and power source. Notably, the AI Pin doesn’t come with a power adapter, and the fault lies in the power cells supplied in the Charge Case, one of only two ways users can charge their AI Pin and external batteries.
Humane is now working to find a new vendor for its battery cells. The company tried to reassure users, stating that the charging pad, battery packs, and AI Pin itself are not affected by this issue. As compensation for the inconvenience, Humane is offering two free months of their $24-a-month data plan required to use the device.
On the company’s store page, the Charge Case is listed as out of stock, with a note that it will ship separately when available. Customers who purchase a Humane AI Pin are supposed to receive a charging pad, charge case, USB-C cable, and battery boosters. However, it’s now uncertain what new customers will receive when they buy the Pin, considering the ongoing issues with the Charge Case.
In response to inquiries, Humane directed Gizmodo to a post on its website, promising to update users as they investigate the charging pod issue. The Charge Case, designed to charge both the AI Pin and battery packs simultaneously, resembles a regular earbuds pod. While reviewers appreciated the overall design of the product and accessories, many criticized the AI Pin’s poor battery life, with some noting the battery drained within hours even when not in use. Without a reliable way to charge the device on the go, Humane’s mission to make the AI Pin users’ “second brain” is significantly undermined.
This development does not bode well for Humane, which is reportedly trying to sell itself to the highest bidder. The company is seeking a price between $700 million and $1 billion. According to The New York Times, Humane has been in discussions with HP, among other potential buyers. These talks reportedly started just a week after the AI Pin received poor reviews. The company is also attempting to raise funds to surpass its previous $1 billion valuation.
Reviewers also noted that the AI Pin could get uncomfortably hot during use. While it wasn’t enough to cause burns, it was enough to be noticeable. According to The New York Times, Humane was aware of this issue. Developers had reportedly used ice packs to chill earlier versions of the AI Pin to keep them running longer. Without an effective on-the-go charging solution, it seems increasingly unlikely that the AI Pin or Humane itself can sustain its operations for much longer.
The AI Pin was designed as a wearable “ambient” computer that could be attached to clothes with a magnet, offering users a virtual assistant to answer questions and provide smart filtering based on the wearer’s preferences. It was intended to eventually replace smartphones due to its hands-free interaction. However, given the numerous issues and lackluster sales, achieving this vision seems improbable.
Humane initially targeted selling 100,000 units of the AI Pin but had only received around 10,000 orders by early April. With a price of $700 and an additional $24 per month for 4G service, the company’s initial revenue would be approximately $7.24 million, not accounting for canceled orders. Despite these figures, Humane is seeking a buyer willing to pay over $1 billion.
If you like the article please follow on THE UBJ.