Humane eyes potential sale after AI Pin's lackluster debut
Humane, the start-up behind the AI Pin wearable computer, is reportedly on the hunt for a buyer. Bloomberg reports that the company, spearheaded by ex-Apple workers Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, is targeting a sale price between $750 million and $1 billion. This development follows the disappointing launch of their product, AI Pin, which was widely criticized for its slow responses and subpar user experience.
AI Pin's performance falls short of expectations
The AI Pin was initially promoted as a tool to help users lessen their dependence on smartphones, by offering an always-on, wearable AI assistant. However, the device has not lived up to these expectations. The wearable computer runs on Humane's own operating system, CosmOS, which uses a network of AI models, to respond to voice commands and analyze images captured by the integrated camera.
What problems are users facing?
The AI Pin has groundbreaking features like projecting a laser "display" onto the user's hand. However, the device has been criticized for its inconsistent software and hardware issues, including poor battery life and overheating problems. Also, a monthly subscription is necessary in order to keep the gadget active.
Humane's efforts to improve AI Pin
In response to the widespread criticism, Humane has pledged firmware updates to tackle these issues. The company recently incorporated OpenAI's GPT-4o model in an attempt to enhance the device's capabilities. Earlier, Humane had managed to raise $230 million from investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Despite being valued at $850 million in 2023, Humane's first product was universally criticized by reviewers.
