Quick Takeaways
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Humane AI Pin Shutdown: The Humane AI Pin has been terminated less than a year after its launch due to an acquisition by HP, rendering the device largely useless, with only minimal functionalities remaining.
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Consumer Impact: Early adopters who spent $700 on the device face a significant loss as many features, including the voice assistant, have been disabled without compensation or refund options available.
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E-Waste Concerns: The company sold about 10,000 units, contributing to the growing e-waste crisis, highlighting the need for more responsible product lifecycle management when discontinuing technology.
- Legal Action Suggested: Consumers are encouraged to file complaints with the FTC regarding the fairness of the product’s shutdown, as it raises issues of deceptive marketing and non-disclosure of software support commitments, potentially violating consumer protection laws.
So You Bought a Humane AI Pin. Here’s What You Can Do Next
As of today, the Humane AI Pin has officially shut down—less than a year after its launch. Following HP’s acquisition of Humane, the company disabled many core features of the device and deleted user data, making it largely unusable. While you can still check battery life, the once-promised voice assistant is gone.
If you spent $700 on the AI Pin, you might feel frustrated. Many early adopters faced the risks of investing in new technology. However, it feels particularly unfair not to receive a refund for a product that became obsolete before its warranty expired. Reports indicate that Humane sold around 10,000 units, but many units quickly found their way back to the store. Consequently, there are now even fewer functioning devices in circulation, leaving thousands effectively useless.
You might wonder if there’s a chance to recoup your investment. If you purchased your Pin in late October of 2024, you might qualify for a chargeback within the typical 120-day window given by your credit card provider. However, refunds may not be possible for others.
Fortunately, you have options. Experts suggest filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Lucas Gutterman, the campaign director at Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG), highlighted the issue. He stated that it is "unfair and deceptive" for a company to abandon a product after consumers invest in it. Gutterman urges those affected to take action and report their experiences.
Last year, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups urged the FTC to address issues like "software tethering," where companies limit functionality through software. The FTC found that a significant number of manufacturer websites fail to disclose how long products will receive software updates. Humane’s warranty excludes software functionality, which is a common practice, yet it raises questions about consumer rights when advertised features become unavailable.
Gutterman pointed out that marketing devices with features but failing to provide ongoing support could violate the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which aims to protect consumers. "Paying for a $700 product that’s supposed to work and then finding out it will stop working is harm consumers cannot avoid," he said.
As the technology landscape evolves, the Humane AI Pin’s demise serves as a cautionary tale. Companies must prioritize transparency about product longevity to build trust with consumers. Early adopters deserve better protection, and taking steps now could lead to meaningful change in tech development.
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