Humane is getting a lot of attention for its new AI Pin, a lapel clip-on device that promises to replace smartphone screens with an AI-powered assistant. We interviewed Humane’s founders at MWC 2024 and got a sneak peek at the AI Pin and some of its features, but at the time we weren’t even allowed to hold the thing, let alone operate it. Even so, we’re skeptical about how Humane can convince people to spend $700 for such a niche, untested technology.
Now, a series of reviews for the device have been released, but they certainly don’t inspire confidence. marginal Reviews say AI Pin “doesn’t work” at all. The publication calls it a “totally unfinished” product.It “completely breaks down in so many unacceptable ways that I can’t think of anyone I would recommend buying the device for $699 and subscribing for $24 a month,” wrote marginal David Pierce.
Pierce noted in his comments that neither the Humane AI Pin’s hardware nor software worked as expected. He wrote that the device was slow, couldn’t perform basic commands and was awkward to wear.
Under normal sunlight, a laser display is almost useless outdoors Technology Network
“This is too frustrating for daily use,” wrote CNET’s Scott Stein. He noted that the projector display took multiple attempts to pop out, and when it did, it was frustrating to use.
“Depending on where you place the pin, the throwing distance and angle may vary, requiring different hand angles. Pinch-in may feel a little awkward, especially with the palm open. Unfortunately, the laser display does not work well outdoors in normal sunlight. Almost useless,” Stein wrote.
Technology Network also shared similar experiences edgenoted that AI Pin lacked a basic understanding of commands, something Humane should have ensured before shipping the device for testing.
The reviewer also found that the translation did not live up to expectations. marginal Song Qian tried to ask the humanized AI Pin in Japanese if she had lunch, and translated the lyrics of children’s songs in Japanese and Korean. The device failed her test badly.
Humane says upcoming updates will fill gaps and make the device more usable.
Additionally, reviewers were unhappy that the AI Pin did not sync with the phone. We also noticed this in our first impressions of the device.
“Humane AI Pin doesn’t have a mobile app, but instead has a web dashboard that manages all my AI requests, photos and videos, and services. While I appreciate the ambition of what Humane is doing, it makes me feel like I’m Restarting my digital life,” wrote CNET’s Stein.
wired It also said the device was “too rudimentary” and “not that useful.” Additionally, multiple publications stated that the pins were too hot and uncomfortable—definitely not something you want stuck that close to your chest.
While Humane’s AI Pin seems to have a lot of issues right now, the company promises that upcoming updates will fill in the gaps and make the device more usable. We haven’t reviewed the device ourselves yet, and hopefully we’ll have better news for you when it gets into our hands.