New Delhi | Updated: February 19, 2025 03:35 PM IST
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Chaudhri and Bongiorno, who both worked at Apple, started Humane in 2019. (Image credit: Humane)
Humane, the once-hyped startup behind the AI Pin device, is being sold to HP Inc. for $116 million, the company announced Wednesday. HP has agreed to acquire Humane’s AI capabilities, including its software platform, intellectual property, patents, and talent. The AI Pin will be discontinued, Humane said in a message to customers.
The $699 AI Pin was marketed as a potential smartphone replacement, backed by aggressive pre-launch activities, including glitzy ads and high-profile events such as Paris Fashion Week. Time magazine named the AI Pin one of the best inventions of 2023. However, the device was poorly received, with reviews highlighting its shortcomings, ultimately leading to its failure.
Humane was founded in 2019 by Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, a husband-and-wife duo who previously worked at Apple. Chaudhri, in particular, played a key role in shaping the iPhone’s interface during his time at Apple. The duo pitched the AI Pin as a groundbreaking wearable device designed to transform AI into a conversational, screenless experience. However, things started to change when the company began shipping the device to customers. The AI Pin was plagued by overheating issues, and its AI software frequently provided inaccurate responses. Humane initially hoped to sell 100,000 units in its first year but received only around 10,000 orders.
About a week after the reviews were published, Humane began discussions with HP, a major computer maker, about selling the company for more than $1 billion. There were other bidders as well, though talks remained informal. Last year, Humane hired an investment bank to explore a sale while also seeking new funding. The San Francisco-based company had raised $240 million from high-profile Silicon Valley investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who valued the startup at $1 billion based on its ambition and promise. Humane spent five years developing the AI Pin, according to its founders.
In its announcement, HP stated that it would leverage Humane’s technology to become a more “experience-led company.” With the acquisition, HP will establish a new innovation lab called HP IQ, which will focus on “building an intelligent ecosystem across HP’s products and services.” Chaudhri and Bongiorno will join HP as part of the deal.
HP, a major PC and printer vendor, has been increasingly adding AI capabilities to its laptops and products. However, like many of its industry peers, the company remains heavily dependent on Microsoft to integrate AI features into Windows-powered computers.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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