The performance of the wearable AI device 'AI Pin' created by a former Apple employee is so bad that it's being returned

It turns out that the wearable AI device 'AI Pin,' which can be pinned to the chest or wall and used for voice input to access AI assistants and real-time translation, is suffering from the misfortune of being returned. From May to August 2024, the number of returns exceeded the number of units sold.

Humane's daily returns are outpacing sales - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/7/24211339/humane-ai-pin-more-daily-returns-than-sales

AI Pin is a device developed by Humane, a startup founded by former Apple employees. It can take videos, send emails, play music, and more, all with voice and touch input, and it also has a system that can project images onto the palm of your hand.

Humane officially announces 'Ai Pin', a clip-type wearable device equipped with AI that can project a screen onto the palm of your hand - GIGAZINE

AI Pin was shipped from April 2024, but internal data was later leaked, revealing that between May and August, more were returned than sold. Due to restrictions imposed by T-Mobile, the company's communications partner, once an AI Pin is returned, it cannot be reshipped to another person and will be discarded.

Since its launch, AI Pin has received overwhelmingly negative reviews from users. AI Pin has a minimum price of $699 (about 102,000 yen) and a monthly subscription fee of $24 (about 3,500 yen) for access to the network and cloud storage, which is not a wallet-friendly fee structure, and on top of that, the essential AI assistant 'does not work'. Technology media The Verge evaluates it as 'an interesting idea, but it is unfinished and there are so many unacceptable points that no one thinks they should spend this fee and still buy it.'

According to internal company data, AI Pin's total sales were just over $9 million, with at least $1 million worth of products returned. The Verge noted that 'these figures highlight the difficult position Humane is in with limited options.'

Humane is reportedly considering selling the business.

Reports that Humane is looking for a buyer for its wearable AI device 'Ai Pin' due to poor sales - GIGAZINE

Humane has seen notable executive departures in recent months, with director of customer experience Tori Geiken disappearing from the company's internal Slack, according to people familiar with the matter. Other early members of the company's team, including vice president of engineering Jeremy Warner, former chief technology officer Patrick Gates and head of product engineering Ken Cocienda, have also reportedly left the company.