Humane’s highly anticipated AI Pin, a $700 wearable assistant shaped like a brooch, has been slammed by reviewers in a scathing display of unmet expectations. Hailed as a device that would “reimagine the human-technology relationship,” the AI Pin seems to have stumbled out of the gate, riddled with problems and raising serious questions about its functionality and value.
Tech reviewers with massive followings, like Marques Brownlee with his 18.5 million YouTube subscribers, were particularly critical. Brownlee’s 25-minute review highlighted the AI Pin as a great idea in theory, but a frustrating exercise in practice. He ultimately declared it the worst product he’d reviewed so far. My own request for a hands-on trial went unanswered, suggesting limited availability or, perhaps, a reluctance to expose the Pin to further scrutiny.
Despite the hefty price tag, the AI Pin lacks a key feature: a screen. Instead, it projects information onto the wearer’s hand, a solution reviewers found cumbersome and impractical. Basic gesture controls are included, but without a smartphone connection or dedicated apps, the functionality feels limited. Reviewers also pointed out the inexplicable absence of phone number syncing, forcing users to manage an entirely separate communication channel.
Battery life seems to be another major shortcoming. Several reviewers reported needing to recharge the Pin multiple times a day, a significant inconvenience for a $700 device. Heating issues were also mentioned, with Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal noting an uncomfortable warmth emanating from the Pin while worn.
Humane has yet to respond to the BBC’s request for comment, but Sam Sheffer, their head of new media, acknowledged on social media that the software “was not where it needs to be.” He expressed a commitment to learning from feedback and continuing development. Co-founder Bethany Bongiorno echoed this sentiment on the same platform, vowing to push forward despite the negative press.
The AI Pin’s struggles are being closely watched as it touches on two critical questions in the tech world: can any wearable truly challenge the dominance of the smartphone, and will the much-hyped AI revolution usher in a new generation of hardware advancements? Market research analyst Francisco Jeronimo finds the Pin “very interesting” as a concept, but ultimately “makes no sense” for the average user. He fears the Pin might share this fate with other hyped AI gadgets like the Rabbit R1 assistant. While these devices hint at the potential of intelligent products, Jeronimo argues they haven’t yet delivered on that promise.
Humane, which laid off staff earlier this year, promises further updates for the AI Pin this summer. Despite the criticism, the company remains optimistic. Whether the AI Pin can be salvaged or will simply serve as a cautionary tale of overhype remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the road to “reimagining the human-technology relationship” seems to be rockier than Humane anticipated.
