Humane, the company known for its recently launched AI Pin wearable, is reportedly in talks with HP for a potential acquisition exceeding $1 billion, according to The New York Times. This news comes after a wave of negative reviews and disappointing sales figures for the AI Pin.

Humane, founded by former Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, had high hopes for the AI Pin. However, the $699 device, envisioned as a revolutionary wearable AI computer, fell short of expectations. Reviews criticized the AI Pin for failing to live up to its promises, with issues ranging from overheating to a potentially fire-hazardous charging case.

The report by the Times sheds light on the tumultuous journey of the AI Pin. Humane reportedly fired a senior software engineer who questioned the product’s readiness for launch, highlighting a company culture that prioritized “positivity over criticism.” This internal conflict seems to have contributed to the product’s shortcomings.

Adding insult to injury, Humane’s sales figures are a far cry from their initial goals. By early April, the company had received only around 10,000 orders, a fraction of the 100,000 units they were hoping to sell in 2024.

HP’s interest in Humane is a curious development. The company has dabbled in the mobile space before, most notably with the 2010 acquisition of Palm and its webOS operating system for $1.2 billion. However, HP discontinued the Palm line just a year later due to poor sales.

Related /

• Humane issues urgent warning to AI Pin owners over fire risk
• Humane seeks buyer after AI Pin flop
• Humane AI Pin and Fisker’s failure not MKBHD’s fault, say critics
• The Humane AI Pin is a mess according to MKBHD

While the reasons behind HP’s potential interest in Humane remain unclear, the deal faces significant hurdles. Humane is saddled with a poorly received product and a company culture seemingly resistant to criticism. HP, on the other hand, has a history of struggling in the mobile market.