Humane is reportedly trying to sell itself to HP for $1 billion
How much is Humane reportedly seeking for the sale of its AI Pin business, and how does this compare to the amount HP paid for Palm and its webOS?
Humane is reportedly seeking a sale price of between $750 million and $1 billion for its AI Pin business. This is comparable to the amount HP paid for Palm and its webOS in 2010, which was $1.2 billion. However, it is important to note that the sale of Humane's AI Pin business is still in the early stages and may not result in a deal2.
What specific issues with the AI Pin's performance and design were highlighted in the reviews that led to its criticism?
The AI Pin, a wearable AI computer pin by Humane, has faced criticism due to several issues with its performance and design highlighted in reviews. These issues include:
-
Slow response times: The device often takes too long to answer questions and complete tasks, making it frustrating for users.
-
Inaccurate AI: The AI Pin's artificial intelligence is frequently incorrect, even when answering basic questions.
-
Inconsistent battery life: The device has issues with its battery life, sometimes draining quickly or overheating.
-
Overheating issues: The AI Pin's laser display causes it to overheat, with reports of executives using ice packs to keep it running longer.
-
Limited compatibility: The device struggles to connect with existing phone apps and services, limiting its usefulness.
-
Durability concerns: The AI Pin has faced durability issues, such as overheating and shutting down prematurely during a photo shoot6.
-
Underwhelming camera quality: The camera and photo quality on the AI Pin have not met users' expectations6.
-
Expensive price and subscription: The AI Pin is priced at $699, with an additional $24 monthly subscription for data services, making it a costly investment for users.
These issues have led to widespread criticism of the AI Pin, with some reviewers calling it the "worst product" they've ever reviewed. Despite these concerns, Humane's founders have expressed their commitment to refining the product through continuous software updates and maintaining a positive outlook on its potential.
What were the main reasons behind Humane's decision to seek a buyer for its AI Pin business?
Humane's decision to seek a buyer for its AI Pin business can be attributed to several factors:
-
Poor performance and reviews: The AI Pin faced harsh criticism after its launch, with users and reviewers pointing out issues such as slow response times, overheating, and poor battery life. The device was also criticized for not living up to its promised capabilities and being overpriced.
-
Overpriced product: The AI Pin was priced at $699, with an additional $24 monthly subscription fee, making it an expensive option compared to other available smart devices and smartphones.
-
Inability to meet sales targets: Humane had aimed to sell 100,000 units of the AI Pin this year but reportedly only received around 10,000 orders as of early April.
-
Negative publicity: High-profile tech reviewer Marques Brownlee called the AI Pin "The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed," which further tarnished the product's reputation and potentially affected its sales.
-
Internal issues: Humane executives reportedly disregarded warnings about the AI Pin's poor battery life and power consumption, focusing on positivity over criticism. The company also faced negative publicity for firing a senior software engineer in February for questioning if the pin was ready for launch.
Given these factors, Humane's decision to seek a buyer for its business can be seen as a strategic move to mitigate potential losses and find a way forward for the company and its technology.