In a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, HP has acquired key AI technologies from Humane, a startup best known for its ambitious yet poorly received AI pin. The deal, valued at $116 million, will also bring Humane’s staff and over 300 patents and patent applications under HP’s umbrella, marking a significant shift in the AI device landscape.
Despite initial excitement and comparisons to Star Trek’s futuristic tech, Humane’s AI pin struggled to find a foothold in the market. Priced at $699, the device aimed to replace smartphones by offering an AI-driven voice assistant interface. However, widespread criticism over slow processing speeds, a cumbersome user experience, and safety concerns—including potential fire hazards—doomed its success. By May 2024, Humane had already been seeking a buyer, initially aiming for a $1 billion valuation. The AI pin was quietly pulled from sale, sealing its fate as one of the most high-profile flops in consumer AI products.
HP sees value in Humane’s underlying technology, particularly its AI platform, CosmOS. Designed to integrate multiple AI agents across devices, CosmOS aligns with HP’s broader ambitions of creating an intelligent ecosystem. According to Tuan Tran, HP’s President of Technology and Innovation, the acquisition will allow HP to “develop a new generation of devices that seamlessly orchestrate AI requests both locally and in the cloud.”
Tran further elaborated that Humane’s technology will enhance AI functionality across HP’s product lineup, from AI-powered PCs to smart printers and conference room solutions. To support this initiative, HP is launching a new AI innovation lab, dubbed HP IQ, which will be staffed by former Humane engineers and employees.
Humane’s downfall serves as a stark warning for AI startups attempting to disrupt the consumer technology space. The company initially built substantial hype in 2023, attracting major investors and promising a hands-free, screen-free computing experience. However, poor execution, hardware limitations, and a hefty price tag ultimately led to its demise.
While Humane’s AI pin may be dead, its legacy—and technology—will live on through HP’s efforts to refine and integrate AI into mainstream computing. Whether HP can succeed where Humane failed remains to be seen, but this acquisition underscores the increasing importance of AI-driven innovation in the tech industry.
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