Humane’s Troubles with the AI Pin: Returns Outpace Sales
Humane, a tech company known for its AI Pin wearable gadget, is facing significant challenges as returns of the product have surpassed sales in recent months. The Verge, citing internal sales data and insider sources, reports that between May and August, more AI Pins were returned than purchased. Currently, only 7,000 to 8,000 units remain in circulation.
The Humane AI Pin is an intriguing device that boasts features like speech recognition, AI capabilities, a camera, and a small laser projector that can display a basic screen on the user’s palm. However, the product has been met with scathing reviews, further compounded by safety concerns related to a charging case that turned out to be a fire hazard.
While some individuals, including myself, have found the Humane AI Pin to be a fascinating gadget, the company’s ambitious goal of replacing smartphones with this wearable seems unrealistic. The latest sales and returns data indicate that the novelty of the AI Pin wears off quickly, potentially exacerbated by the hefty $24/month subscription fee.
Humane had initially expected to sell 100,000 units of the AI Pin within the first year. However, with only around 10,000 units shipped so far, the company has fallen far behind its targets. Moreover, Humane faces an additional setback as it is unable to refurbish returned items due to a technical limitation associated with T-Mobile’s service. This limitation not only results in a significant loss for the company but also leads to increased waste.
When approached for comment, Humane responded by stating that The Verge’s report contained inaccuracies, although no specific details were provided. However, previous reports from Bloomberg and The New York Times have suggested that Humane has been actively seeking a buyer, with HP expressing interest in acquiring the company.
In light of the AI Pin’s underwhelming performance in the market, it is clear that Humane faces a daunting challenge. The company must reevaluate its strategy and explore alternative solutions to salvage its reputation and financial stability. This may involve addressing the product’s flaws, revisiting marketing strategies, and pursuing potential partnerships or acquisitions. Only through proactive measures can Humane hope to overcome its current predicament and regain its position in the competitive tech industry.