TWO OUNCES

TLDR

In a strategic move, HP Inc. has acquired key assets from AI startup Humane for $116 million, following the discontinuation of Humane’s wearable AI Pin due to underwhelming market performance.

Humane’s AI Pin: A Brief Journey

Founded by ex-Apple veterans, Humane aimed to revolutionise wearable technology with the AI Pin – a device designed to seamlessly integrate AI assistance into daily life. Despite raising approximately $241 million from prominent investors, including Microsoft and OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, the AI Pin faced critical reviews and declining orders. Notably, tech influencer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) highlighted significant shortcomings, leading to return rates surpassing sales at one point.

HP’s Strategic Acquisition

The acquisition grants HP access to Humane’s Cosmos operating system, over 300 patents, and a team of technical experts. This infusion is set to bolster HP’s AI portfolio, particularly as the company navigates a sluggish recovery in the personal computing market. The newly integrated team will form HP’s AI innovation lab, HP IQ, focusing on embedding advanced AI capabilities into HP’s product lineup.

Implications for AI Wearable Technology

Humane’s experience underscores the challenges in the AI wearable sector, emphasizing the necessity for practical applications and seamless user experiences. HP’s acquisition suggests a continued interest in AI integration, potentially steering future innovations toward more user-centric designs.

While Humane’s AI Pin faced a premature end, HP’s strategic acquisition of its assets signals ongoing momentum in the AI tech landscape, with a focus on enhancing human-computer interactions.