As you might be aware, the tech industry is abuzz with the upcoming release of Humane’s Ai Pin. However, you’ll need to curb your excitement a bit longer, as the company has announced a shift in the launch date from March to mid-April. This update comes directly from Sam Sheffer, the startup’s Head of Media, via a recent video release.
Understanding the delay
In a detailed explanation reminiscent of a Sorkin-style walk and talk, Sheffer outlines the reasons behind the postponement. The first batch of Ai Pins is now slated to leave the production line by the end of March. Consequently, those granted “priority access” will begin receiving their devices around mid-April, followed by the delivery of other pre-orders soon after that.
The rising anticipation for Ai Pin
The Ai Pin has been a topic of much discussion and excitement, partly fueled by Humane’s founders’ previous tenure at Apple and a series of intriguing pre-launch videos. The device was first revealed to the public in early November at an event in San Francisco, where attendees had a brief but controlled opportunity to interact with the wearable.
This product symbolises a pivotal shift in consumer electronics, moving beyond the long-standing smartphone paradigm. It’s at the forefront of a burgeoning trend where startups creatively incorporate generative AI into innovative product designs. This trend is not limited to Humane; tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft increasingly integrating AI into smartphones and other consumer devices. Additionally, startups like Rabbit have generated significant interest with their unique AI-first consumer device showcased at CES.
The critical phase for Humane
For Humane, the stakes are high with the Ai Pin launch. The company has been fundraising, amassing around US$230 million, including a substantial US$100 million from its Series C round last year. Opting to delay the product release to ensure it meets consumer expectations reflects a strategic commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. While early adopters may be somewhat forgiving of initial hiccups, there is a finite threshold for such leniency. Hence, the Ai Pin must perform effectively and reliably right out of the gate.
This launch comes when Humane is also navigating internal changes, having recently reduced its workforce by 10%, which included letting go of 10 employees. This development is particularly noteworthy as it happened at a well-funded company when maintaining consumer and investor confidence is paramount.
The Ai Pin is currently available for pre-order at a price of US$699. Those who commit before March 31 are in for a treat, as they’ll receive three months of the device’s US$24/month subscription service free of charge.
In conclusion, while the wait for the Ai Pin might have extended a little longer, it seems to be a strategic move by Humane to ensure the product you receive is innovative but also reliable and user-friendly. The anticipation for mid-April grows as the tech community eagerly awaits what could potentially be a revolutionary step in wearable technology.
