Humane AI Pin Shutdown: Why the $700 AI Device Failed

Humane officially shut down sales and server support for its AI Pin in February 2025. A $700 lapel AI device with a laser projector and no screen, it failed to meet expectations—and now it's basically a brick. Let’s unpack why it tanked.

What Was the AI Pin?

Launched in early 2024, Humane’s AI Pin promised to replace your smartphone with a tiny wearable AI assistant. It had no display—just voice commands and a laser projection system. But it came with a steep $700 price tag and a mandatory $24/month subscription. 2

Why It Failed

• Unreliable performance: Projected interface was buggy and laggy, inaccurate responses became common. 3
• High cost + subscription: $700 upfront plus a monthly fee made it hard to justify—especially for a device that did less than a smartphone. 4
• No refund policy: Humane declined refunds for most early buyers—past 90 days—despite bricking the device. 5
• Poor market timing: As smartphones integrated better AI like Google Gemini and Galaxy AI, a standalone AI pin felt redundant. 6

Real User Backlash

Users vented online—calling it “silicon valley delusion” and “garbage.” Many said it felt like a “kickstarter scam” and believed the tech was overhyped. A Reddit comment summed it up: “This device is fucking nonsense… No one will ever pay $700 for a pacifier when they actually have a powerful smartphone.” 7

Humane’s Future After the Pin

Humane has since pivoted—HP acquired its CosmOS AI operating system and patents in early 2025 for $116M. The company also shifted away from hardware towards licensing AI software platforms. 8

Final Takeaway

The Humane AI Pin shows how shiny demos and big promises don’t equal real value. Without clear use cases, reliable performance, or customer-friendly refunds, it couldn’t handle the tough realities of the wearable market. But Humane’s pivot to software might yet turn lessons into a smarter strategy.