Tech Troubles: Humane Slashes AI Pin Price by $200 as Sales Hit Rock Bottom
In a dramatic turn of events, Humane, the ambitious Bay Area startup founded by former Apple executives, has announced a significant price reduction for its struggling AI Pin device. As your tech industry correspondent, I’m here to break down this latest development in the wearable tech market.
The AI Pin, originally launched at $699, will now retail for $499—a whopping $200 price cut that signals serious concerns about the product’s market performance. The company’s bold move comes after months of disappointing sales and mounting returns.
Let’s look at the stark numbers that tell this story:
- Only 7,000 to 8,000 devices remain in users’ hands.
- Daily returns have overtaken new sales.
- The monthly subscription fee stays at $24.
- The basic package now excludes the extra battery and charging case.
What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is the charging case controversy. Humane has actually warned users not to use the charging case due to potential fire risks from faulty battery cells—a significant blow to the product’s usability and reputation.
In an attempt to sweeten the deal, Humane is now offering:
- The Humane Plan offers a free first month.
- A generous 90-day return window
- The basic “eclipse” model is made of matte black aluminum.
The company’s email to customers strikes an optimistic tone, promoting these changes as a “risk-free” opportunity to try their technology. However, industry watchers note that this price reduction comes just months after the device’s April launch—unusually early in a product’s lifecycle for such a dramatic price cut.
Despite regular software updates to their CosmOS system, including new features like timers, the AI Pin has failed to win over critics or customers. Listed at $799, the premium models—the “lunar” and “equinox” versions with polished aluminum finishes—are currently out of stock.
If you’re still interested in the technology, you can purchase the extra battery separately for $69. However, despite the price reduction, the total cost of ownership remains significant due to this additional cost and the monthly subscription requirement.
What does this mean for the future of humanity? Reports suggest the company began exploring sale options as early as May, indicating internal recognition of their challenges. This price cut seems to be a final attempt to increase adoption and counteract the negative perception of the product.
The situation raises broader questions about the wearable AI market:
- Are consumers ready for AI-powered wearables?
- What price point makes sense for experimental tech?
- How crucial is initial product reception to long-term success?
For potential buyers, the new pricing structure offers a lower entry point to try this innovative but controversial device. However, the removal of key accessories from the base package and ongoing subscription costs may still pause value-conscious consumers.
As this story continues to develop, one thing is clear: Humane’s struggle highlights the challenges of launching new hardware in today’s competitive tech market. The fast-moving world of consumer electronics never guarantees success, even with experienced leadership and innovative technology.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see if this price reduction strategy can help Humane reverse its fortunes or if it’s simply delaying an inevitable reckoning in the challenging wearable tech market.