Humane has officially announced the recall of approximately 10,500 units of its charging case designed for the AI Pin, a wearable device that has faced a tumultuous entry into the market. The recall comes on the heels of concerns regarding the potential overheating of the lithium polymer battery within the charging case, which poses a fire hazard. Customers were previously warned to cease use of the product, and now the company has taken formal action.
Recall Details
The affected charging cases were sold from November 2023 to May 2024. According to information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there was a singular report of a case overheating and melting while charging. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage linked to this incident. Humane has clarified that the AI Pin itself, along with its magnetic Battery Booster and the charging pad, are not part of the recall and are considered safe for use.
Sales Struggles and Market Response
This recall highlights ongoing challenges for Humane as it struggles with its debut product. Since the AI Pin’s launch, it has been met with critical reviews, which have contributed to disappointing sales figures and an increase in product returns. The company has responded to these issues by reducing the price of the AI Pin, although the revised lower-priced model no longer includes the charging case. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to stimulate sales, alongside continuous software updates to enhance the product’s functionality. Recently, Humane announced the release of CosmOS 1.2, touted as the most significant software update since the device’s launch.
Out of an abundance of caution, Humane is voluntarily recalling its Charge Case Accessory. Upon receiving a single report of a charging issue while using a third-party USB-C cable and third-party power source, we identified a quality issue with the battery cell supplied by a… pic.twitter.com/xXQ4WquuD3
— Humane Ground Control (@Humane_help) October 31, 2024
Customer Options
Customers affected by the recall have two options: they can request a full refund or a replacement charging case. For those who purchased the charging case separately, they will receive $149 as a refund. Those who received it as part of the complete AI Pin package will be refunded $129. Humane has indicated that a revised, safer version of the charging case is expected to be available within three to six months.
Future Implications for Humane
The situation raises pressing questions about the future of Humane as a company. With the recall serving as another setback, industry observers are left to speculate on whether Humane can find a buyer or if it will pivot to new markets by integrating CosmOS into other devices. The outcomes of these developments will be closely monitored as the company navigates its next steps in a challenging market landscape.
As it stands, the recall underscores the importance of product safety and consumer trust, particularly for new entrants in the tech industry.
