HP’s $116M Humane AI Pin Acquisition: Fallout and Industry Implications
This week’s tech landscape saw seismic shifts as HP acquired Humane’s AI assets, Apple revealed its budget iPhone refresh, and Duolingo staged a viral marketing stunt. Here’s what you need to know about these developments and their broader industry impact.
The Demise of Humane’s AI Pin
- Acquisition Details: HP purchased Humane’s assets for \(116 million—less than half the startup's \)240 million total funding
- Product Discontinuation:
- AI Pin sales halted immediately
- Server access ends February 28, 2025
- Post-shutdown functionality loss: calls, messaging, AI queries, cloud access
- Refund Policy: Only customers who purchased within 90 days qualify
Employee Fallout: Raises for Some, Layoffs for Others
Internal documents reveal stark contrasts in HP’s treatment of Humane staff:
- 30-70% Pay Increases: Select employees received substantial raises
- Equity Incentives: HP stock and bonus plans offered to retained staff
- Layoffs: Hardware-focused teams faced immediate job cuts
Apple’s Budget iPhone Refresh: Key Upgrades
The iPhone 16e marks Apple’s first SE update in three years with notable improvements:
- AI-Ready Hardware: A18 processor enables Apple Intelligence features
- Modernized Design:
- Face ID replaces Touch ID
- USB-C replaces Lightning port
- Pricing: Starts at $599, shipping begins February 28
Other Tech Headlines Worth Watching
AI & Software Developments
- OpenAI’s Neutrality Shift: ChatGPT now presents multiple perspectives on controversial topics
- Mira Murati’s New Venture: Thinking Machines Lab emerges from stealth with OpenAI alumni
- Grok 3 Launch: Elon Musk’s xAI touts “truth-seeking” AI model
Industry Controversies
- Uber vs. DoorDash: Legal battle over alleged anti-competitive restaurant deals
- Steam Malware Incident: Valve removes game modified to distribute password-stealing malware
Business Strategy Shifts
- Amazon App Store Closure: Android marketplace shutting down in August
- Zuckerberg Charity Reversal: CZI ends DEI programs weeks after pledging support
Analysis: The Bigger Picture
These developments highlight several emerging tech trends:
- AI Hardware Challenges: Humane’s struggles demonstrate the difficulty of consumer AI wearables
- Talent Wars: HP’s selective retention strategy shows the premium on AI expertise
- Platform Neutrality: OpenAI’s policy shift reflects growing pressure on AI objectivity
For ongoing coverage of these stories and their long-term implications, subscribe to TechCrunch’s Week in Review newsletter.
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