It is commonly said that hardware is challenging. Particularly for first-generation products from new startups, delays are not uncommon, regardless of the hype surrounding their release. As expected, Humane’s upcoming Ai Pin has been postponed from March to mid-April, according to a recent video update from Sam Sheffer, the Head of Media at the Bay Area startup.
In a walk-and-talk style reminiscent of Sorkin’s dialogue, Sheffer mentioned that the initial units are scheduled to leave the factory by the end of March. If Humane adheres to this timeline, priority customers will start receiving the units around mid-April, with the remaining preorders arriving shortly after.
Humane had already generated significant interest in the tech community even before unveiling its first product, thanks to the background of its founders at Apple and intriguing prelaunch teasers. The Ai Pin was eventually revealed at an event in San Francisco in early November, where attendees had a chance to try out the wearable device.
This product represents a shift in consumer hardware, as more startups explore the potential of generative AI for innovative form factors. Humane aims to offer a fresh perspective in a market that has been dominated by the smartphone design for over a decade.
Image Credits: Humane
This year is likely to witness the rise of AI-powered smartphones, incorporating GPT models from industry giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to redefine user interactions with devices. Notably, newcomer rabbit gained attention at CES for its innovative approach to generative AI-centric consumer gadgets.
Humane has a lot at stake with this product launch, having raised approximately $230 million to date, including a $100 million Series C funding round last year. Taking the time to ensure the product is consumer-ready is crucial. While early adopters may tolerate initial bugs, there is a limit to their patience. A product of this nature must perform reliably for the majority of its intended functions.
During CES, the company announced a workforce reduction of 10 employees, representing 10% of its staff. Though not a significant number for a startup of its size, such changes are impactful for a well-funded company seeking to maintain confidence among consumers and investors.
The Ai Pin 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 at no extra cost.
