Humane, a well-funded startup, has recently faced numerous challenges with their Ai Pin launch. This week, the company has issued an email urging customers to stop using their egg-shaped charging case due to potential safety concerns. The decision to issue this warning was made “out of an abundance of caution” after Humane received a single complaint about a charging issue from a customer. Following an investigation, the company discovered that the batteries supplied by their vendor posed a fire safety risk. As a result, Humane has immediately disqualified this battery vendor and is actively searching for a new one to maintain their high quality standards.
The issue of potentially hazardous batteries is not unique to Humane. Many consumer electronics companies have faced similar problems in the past. However, the timing of this news is particularly unfortunate for Humane, as they have reportedly been seeking potential buyers for the company shortly after launching their first product. This safety concern may impact the company’s reputation and potential deals with potential buyers.
It’s worth noting that only the Charge Case, and not their Battery Boost or Charging Pad, is affected by this safety issue. This indicates that Humane has taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their other products. It remains to be seen whether Humane will issue a full recall or provide refunds to customers affected by this battery issue.
In the meantime, as a consolation to customers, Humane is offering two free months of their $24 subscription service. This gesture demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction and their willingness to rectify any issues promptly.
Overall, while this safety concern is undoubtedly a setback for Humane, it is important to recognize that the company has taken swift action to address the problem and prioritize customer safety. By disqualifying the problematic battery vendor and offering compensation to affected customers, Humane is working towards maintaining their high quality standards and mitigating any potential damage to their reputation.