HP has announced its acquisition of Humane's AI capabilities for $116 million, marking a significant move in the tech giant's artificial intelligence strategy. As part of the deal, HP will shut down all services related to Humane's AI Pin devices, effective February 28th.

The acquisition includes Humane's AI-powered platform Cosmos, technical talent, and intellectual property consisting of over 300 patents and patent applications. This move is expected to bolster HP's AI capabilities, although the company has not disclosed specific plans for the acquired technology.

For customers who have purchased AI Pin devices, Humane has announced that they will continue to function normally until the shutdown date. However, after February 28th, the devices will no longer connect to Humane's servers, and features such as calling, messaging, AI queries, and cloud access will cease to operate. Users are advised to download any stored data, including pictures, videos, and notes, before the shutdown, as it will be permanently deleted.

In terms of refunds, Humane will only offer them to customers who are within the 90-day return window from their original shipment date. Additionally, those who were waiting for a replacement charging case following its recall will automatically receive a refund for the portion of their original purchase price allocated to the Charge Case after February 28, 2025.

This development marks a significant shift for Humane, which had been promoting its AI Pin devices as a revolutionary product. The company's decision to discontinue the service and sell its AI capabilities to HP raises questions about the viability of its original business model.

The acquisition also highlights HP's growing interest in artificial intelligence, a technology that is increasingly becoming a key differentiator in the tech industry. As AI continues to transform various sectors, HP's move is likely to have significant implications for the company's future product offerings and competitive strategy.

In the broader context, the deal underscores the ongoing consolidation in the AI market, with major tech players like HP, Amazon, and Google actively acquiring AI startups and talent to bolster their capabilities. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these moves shape the industry's future.