Humane’s once hyped AI wearable will become e-waste in just a few days

The technology industry continues to see rapid shifts in consumer hardware, with the discontinuation of ambitious projects alongside new product launches. The first quarter of 2025 has brought significant changes to the wearable AI landscape, while established companies push forward with new innovations across multiple product categories.

Major market shifts: HP’s $116 million acquisition of Humane’s assets marks a significant pivot in the wearable AI device segment.

• The Humane Ai Pin, once heralded as a smartphone alternative, will cease functioning on February 28, 2025
• HP’s acquisition includes Humane’s patents and Cosmos operating system, suggesting future integration into HP’s product ecosystem
• This development highlights the challenges faced by startups attempting to create new device categories

Apple’s mixed reality advancement: Apple continues to refine its Vision Pro headset with strategic software updates.

• The visionOS update introduces Spatial Gallery, enhancing the device’s multimedia capabilities
• New guest experience features aim to make the technology more accessible to first-time users
• These improvements demonstrate Apple’s commitment to iterative development in the mixed reality space

Connectivity and security innovations: New products in the Wi-Fi and smart home security sectors show advancement in consumer technology.

• Eero’s introduction of Wi-Fi 7 mesh routers (Eero 7 and Eero Pro 7) represents the next generation of home networking
• Eufy’s FamiLock S3 Max introduces palm vein recognition, marking a new approach to biometric security
• The formation of the Ambient IoT Alliance signals a push toward standardization in energy-harvesting IoT devices

Mobile and lifestyle technology: Several manufacturers have announced notable products across various consumer categories.

• Oppo’s Find N5 claims the title of thinnest folding phone at 8.93mm when closed
• DJI has expanded its stabilization offerings with new smartphone and camera gimbals
• Omega’s new Seamaster Diver 300M in “Bronze Gold” shows the continued fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern materials
• Thermomix’s 7th generation kitchen appliance incorporates AI features, pointing to the growing integration of intelligent features in home appliances

Looking ahead – market evolution: The discontinuation of the Humane Ai Pin alongside HP’s strategic acquisition of its technology assets suggests a maturing market where innovative ideas may find more success when integrated into established product ecosystems rather than as standalone devices.