Humane’s Ai Pin was already struggling to take off, but the company’s troubles deepened on Thursday as it recalled the product’s portable charging case.
Humane released the Ai Pin in April 2024. It’s a lapel pin that features an integrated camera and speaker, AI voice assistant, and laser projector. The device launched at a $700 starting price before dropping to $500 in June. The Ai Pin also requires a subscription ($24 per month without fees). The wearable lacks a screen or app support, and despite marketing claims that it could replace smartphones, initial reviews of the product were abysmal (YouTuber Marques Brownlee famously dubbed the pin “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed”).
The Ai Pin’s wireless Charge Case Accessory is sold separately; it differs from the home charging dock included with the Ai Pin, which isn’t impacted by this week’s recall. The Charge Case Accessory is charged via USB-C.