# Humane’s Ai Pin Encounters Challenges Following Recall of Charging Accessory
Humane, the startup located in San Francisco behind the Ai Pin, is facing another obstacle as it recalls the portable charging case for its wearable device. The recall, announced on Thursday, is prompted by overheating concerns regarding the Charge Case Accessory, adding to the mounting difficulties the company has experienced since the Ai Pin’s launch in April 2024.
## The Ai Pin: An Ambitious Concept with a Troublesome Launch
The Ai Pin was launched as an innovative wearable aimed at replacing smartphones. It incorporates an integrated camera, speaker, AI voice assistant, and a laser projector, all designed as a lapel pin. However, despite the grand vision, the Ai Pin has struggled to resonate with consumers.
Initially priced at $700, the Ai Pin’s cost was reduced to $500 in June, likely as a response to lackluster sales and unfavorable reviews. Additionally, the device requires a $24 monthly subscription, compounding its overall cost. Despite assertions that it could serve as a smartphone substitute, initial reviews were predominantly negative. Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee infamously labeled the Ai Pin “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed,” a viewpoint echoed by numerous others.
The Ai Pin does not possess a conventional screen or app support, and its dependence on voice commands and a laser projector has faced criticism for being impractical in numerous everyday situations. Users have raised concerns over the wearable’s limited functionality, alongside ongoing issues with battery life and performance.
## The Recall: Concerns Over Overheating
Humane’s most recent setback consists of a recall for the Ai Pin’s Charge Case Accessory, sold separately from the main device. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted that the Charge Case Accessory’s lithium polymer battery has the potential to overheat, creating a fire hazard. One user reported that the accessory melted while in use, leading to the recall. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage.
Humane first became aware of the overheating issue in June 2024, subsequently advising users to stop utilizing the Charge Case Accessory. The recall impacts around 10,500 units sold between November 2023 and May 2024.
In their statement, Humane attributed the overheating issue to specific battery cells provided by a third-party vendor. The company clarified that the concern is limited to the battery cells and not associated with the overall design of the Charge Case Accessory. Humane has since cut ties with the vendor and is in search of a new source.
Customers affected by the recall can receive a refund of up to $149 or a replacement, although replacements may take three to six months to become available. In the interim, Humane has advised users to dispose of their Charge Case Accessories responsibly, avoiding regular trash or basic battery recycling options.
## A Challenging Product Introduction
The recall represents just the latest trial for Humane and its Ai Pin. The product’s launch was overshadowed by numerous complaints, including difficulties with the pin’s attachment to clothing, slow responsiveness from the voice assistant, and the laser projector’s limited efficacy in bright settings. Battery life has also emerged as a significant issue, with many users reporting that the device fails to last a full day of use.
Reports indicate that Humane’s founders, both former Apple executives, disregarded internal warnings regarding the product’s flaws. A report from *The New York Times* revealed that the company even dismissed an engineer who expressed concerns about the Ai Pin’s feasibility.
By June 2024, merely two months after the Ai Pin’s launch, Humane reportedly sought to sell itself for between $750 million and $1 billion. The company has also contended with a substantial return issue, with reports suggesting that more Ai Pins have been returned than sold. As of August 2024, only 7,000 Ai Pins had not been returned, according to *The Verge*.
## The Future of Humane: A Move Towards Software?
With the Ai Pin struggling in the marketplace, Humane is attempting to broaden its horizons. On Friday, the organization revealed plans to enhance its software development kit (SDK) and license its CosmOS operating system to third-party developers. This strategic move indicates that Humane may be shifting its attention from hardware to software as a means of survival.
The CosmOS operating system, which underpins the Ai Pin, might be utilized in other AI-driven devices, enabling Humane to explore new revenue opportunities. However, whether this shift will suffice to secure the company’s future remains uncertain.
## Conclusion: A Lengthy Road Ahead
The recall of the Ai Pin’s Charge Case Accessory represents another setback for Humane, a company that has already encountered considerable obstacles in launching its ambitious product. With negative critiques, disappointing sales figures, and an expanding list of technical problems, the Ai Pin’s prospects appear bleak.
While Humane’s pivot toward software development could potentially provide a crucial boost,
