As of today, the Humane AI Pin has officially been discontinued—less than a year after its much-anticipated launch. Following its acquisition by HP, Humane has shut down many core features of this artificial intelligence-powered wearable, leaving users with a device that is now, for all intents and purposes, useless. While some minimal functions remain, such as checking battery life, the voice assistant feature has been rendered inoperable. If you invested $700 in an AI Pin, you might be feeling frustrated and uncertain about your next steps.
Being an early adopter often comes with risks, and in this case, it feels particularly disheartening. The fact that users cannot obtain a refund on a device that has effectively been bricked—especially before the warranty even expires—raises serious concerns. Humane reportedly sold around 10,000 units, but with daily returns surpassing sales at one point, the number of functional Pins in circulation is likely far lower. This means thousands of consumers are left with devices that serve no purpose.
This situation contributes to the ongoing e-waste crisis, which is already at a critical point globally. Humane's handling of the AI Pin's discontinuation could have been more responsible, especially considering the environmental impact of thousands of discarded devices. Unfortunately, it appears that there may be no recourse for consumers seeking a refund. If you purchased your AI Pin in October 2024 (for some reason), you might still be eligible for a chargeback within the typical 120-day window offered by credit card companies. However, options for recourse are limited.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, one option is to file a complaint with the FTC. Lucas Gutterman, campaign director for the Designed to Last campaign at Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG), emphasizes that discontinuing a product after consumers have invested their money is “unfair and deceptive.” He encourages all purchasers of the Humane AI Pin to take action by filing complaints, as consumer protection should be a priority.
Last year, a coalition of organizations, including US PIRG and Consumer Reports, petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to examine the practice of “software tethering,” where software limits a device's functionality post-purchase. The FTC's study revealed that nearly 89% of manufacturers failed to disclose how long their products would receive software updates, a concerning statistic for consumers.
Humane's warranty indicates that “software and software functionality” are excluded, a common clause in many connected devices. However, this raises questions about the legality of marketing a product with certain features and then failing to provide the necessary updates to maintain those capabilities. This could potentially violate the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which aims to protect consumers from unfair warranty disclaimers. Gutterman notes that “paying for a $700 product that suddenly stops working is a harm consumers cannot avoid,” a situation that could have been mitigated by Humane prior to contributing to this growing e-waste problem.
In some cases, when companies cease updates and essential features, dedicated communities step in to revive or repurpose the product. While the Humane AI Pin may not have enough enthusiasts to rally around it, the potential exists for creative solutions if Humane decides to open the software. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, suggests that Humane could follow the precedent set by other companies like Pebble and release the software keys. Alternatively, the community may need to find vulnerabilities to jailbreak the device and develop custom software.
If you prefer to dispose of the AI Pin, Wiens advises removing the battery first and then taking it to an e-recycler. You can also refer to our detailed guide on how to responsibly dispose of electronics. Don’t forget to consider the other accessories that came with the device; the charging adapter and braided cable could easily be repurposed.
For those who want to commemorate their experience with the AI Pin, a unique alternative is to use a service like Grid. They offer to deconstruct and frame the AI Pin, turning it into a piece of wall art for a fee of $90. This includes design, materials, and shipping. If you’re interested in preserving your AI Pin as a conversation starter, you can reach out to Grid at support@gridstudio.cc.
While the Humane AI Pin may not serve its intended purpose anymore, there are still ways to make use of it. Consider using it as a paperweight or simply storing it in its box for safekeeping. In 50 years, you may rediscover it and tell future generations how this gadget was once heralded as the next big thing—a fleeting moment in the ever-evolving world of technology.
