How to build a DOA product: Humane AI Pin founders banned internal criticism
What were the main reasons behind the AI Pin's negative reviews post-launch?
The main reasons behind the AI Pin's negative reviews post-launch were its poor battery life, slow voice commands, heavyweight, and issues with the laser projector not working well in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the device was reportedly a fire hazard, leading the company to email customers and ask them to immediately stop using and charging the battery case due to defective batteries posing a fire safety risk.
How did the founders of Humane, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, respond to the critical feedback received after the product's launch?
After the critical feedback following the launch of the AI Pin, Humane's founders, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, called the team together and acknowledged the need to "lean into painful feedback." Bongiorno referred to the reviews as “a gift that we’ve been given.” However, it's important to note that during the development phase, the founders reportedly preferred positivity over criticism, which led them to disregard warnings about the product's poor battery life and power consumption. The company is now looking to sell, just one month after the AI Pin's launch.
How did the pricing and subscription model of the AI Pin compare to its competitors, such as the Apple Watch?
The AI Pin was priced at $699 for the base model, with an additional monthly subscription fee of $24 for access to unlimited talk time, texting capabilities, and data usage. In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, with no additional subscription fees required for basic functionality. The AI Pin's pricing and subscription model made it a more expensive option compared to the Apple Watch and other smartwatches in the market4.