Humane’s Ai Pin Ship Date Pushed to Mid-April
Hardware is notoriously difficult, especially for first-generation products from new startups. This seems to be the case for Humane’s upcoming Ai Pin, which has been delayed from its original March release date to “mid-April.” The announcement was made by Sam Sheffer, the Bay Area startup’s Head of Media, in a recent video.
According to Sheffer, the first units are expected to leave the factory by the end of March. If all goes according to plan, customers with “priority access” will start receiving their units in mid-April, while the remaining preorders will arrive shortly after. While this delay may disappoint some eager customers, it’s not uncommon for new startups to face challenges when it comes to hardware production.
Humane has already generated a significant amount of buzz in the tech world, thanks to its founders’ experience at Apple and enigmatic prelaunch videos. The Ai Pin was officially unveiled at an event in San Francisco last November, where attendees had the chance to experience the wearable device firsthand.
The Ai Pin represents a new trend in consumer hardware, as more startups explore the possibilities of generative AI in different form factors. Humane aims to break away from the traditional smartphone form factor that has dominated the market for over a decade. By incorporating generative AI technology, the company hopes to offer a unique and innovative user experience.
However, Humane is not the only player in this space. Upstart rabbit made waves at CES last month with its own take on generative AI-first consumer devices. This year is expected to see an increase in AI smartphones, with companies leveraging GPT models from platforms like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to revolutionize the way consumers interact with their devices.
The success of the Ai Pin launch is crucial for Humane, as the company has raised approximately $230 million in funding so far. This includes a $100 million Series C round last year. It’s essential for Humane to ensure that the product is consumer-ready before releasing it to the market. While early adopters are often forgiving of first-gen bugs, there is a limit to their patience. The Ai Pin will need to perform reliably and meet customer expectations to make a lasting impact.
In a somewhat surprising move, Humane announced during CES that it had laid off 10 employees, representing 10% of its workforce. Although this number may not seem significant for a well-funded startup, it does raise eyebrows. Confidence in the company is crucial, both for consumers and investors, and layoffs can sometimes send the wrong message.
For those interested in the Ai Pin, it is currently available for preorder at $699. Customers who preorder before March 31 will receive three months of the device’s $24/month subscription service for free. This offer adds extra value for early adopters and incentivizes them to secure their spot in line before the official launch.
Overall, Humane’s Ai Pin represents an exciting development in the consumer hardware space. With the use of generative AI technology, this wearable device has the potential to redefine how we interact with technology. Although the delay may disappoint some eager customers, it’s important for Humane to ensure that the product meets expectations before releasing it to the market. With its substantial funding and experienced team, Humane has the resources needed to make a significant impact in the industry.