Silicon Valley startup Humane warns users of its AI Pin to stop using the charging case over defective battery cells that pose a fire risk. Despite the issue, users can use the Charging Pad provided as an alternative for charging. The company attributes the problem to battery cells from a third-party vendor and explains that the potential fire risk does not affect the overall functionality of the device.
Silicon Valley startup Humane has issued a safety warning to users of its AI Pin, advising them to stop using the device’s charging case due to defective battery cells that pose a fire risk. The announcement was made via email to users, but has not been posted on Humane’s website or social media.
Humane explained that the issue arises from battery cells supplied by a third-party vendor, which no longer meets the company’s quality standards. “There is a potential that certain battery cells supplied by this vendor may pose a fire safety risk,” the company stated. Despite this, users can continue to charge the AI Pin using the Charging Pad, an alternative device provided with the unit.
The AI Pin, released on November 16 in the US at $699, is designed to project display information onto a user’s palm rather than a screen and uses voice and tap commands. It also includes a virtual assistant powered by OpenAI’s technology and cloud services from Microsoft. Additionally, it requires a $24 per month subscription for a phone number and data through T-Mobile’s network.
Despite being marketed as an “iPhone killer,” the device has received criticism for various issues, including overheating and delivering incorrect AI responses. Notable reviewers, such as YouTuber Marques Brownlee, have described it as “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.”
Humane, co-founded by former Apple employees, is reportedly in talks to sell itself to HP for around $1 billion. The firm’s handling of this issue and future developments may impact its market perception moving forward.
