HP has acquired Humane, the Bay Area startup behind the AI Pin, a device positioned as a smartphone replacement. The acquisition, announced on Tuesday, marks a sudden end to Humane's ambitious project, as the company is immediately discontinuing sales of the AI Pin and will render existing devices inoperable by the end of the month.

According to a blog post by Humane, customers who have already purchased an AI Pin will no longer be able to use their devices after 12 PM PST on February 28, 2025. The devices will no longer connect to Humane's servers, making it impossible to make calls, send messages, access AI queries and responses, or store data in the cloud. Humane is advising AI Pin owners to transfer their important photos and data to an external device as soon as possible.

The AI Pin, launched in April 2024, was touted as a revolutionary device that could replace traditional smartphones. Founded by Apple veterans Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, Humane raised over $230 million to develop the AI Pin. However, the device failed to impress early reviewers and customers, leading to a crisis for the company. At one point, returns of the AI Pin outpaced sales, according to a report by The Verge.

The acquisition by HP and the subsequent discontinuation of the AI Pin raise questions about the future of the device and its users. Humane did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment, leaving many unanswered questions about the deal and its implications. The sudden shutdown of the AI Pin's functionality will likely leave customers feeling abandoned and frustrated.

The failure of the AI Pin is a significant setback for Humane, which had positioned itself as a pioneer in the field of AI-powered devices. The company's inability to deliver on its promises has damaged its reputation and left investors wondering about the return on their investment. The acquisition by HP may provide some relief to Humane's investors, but it also raises questions about the tech giant's plans for the AI Pin technology.

The implications of this deal extend beyond Humane and its customers. The failure of the AI Pin serves as a cautionary tale for startups and investors alike, highlighting the risks and challenges of developing and marketing innovative technology. As the tech industry continues to evolve, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of careful planning, execution, and customer feedback.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.