Humane has urgently advised owners of its $700 AI Pin device to cease using the charging case immediately due to a potential fire hazard. After investigating a reported charging issue, Humane discovered a battery quality problem in the AI Pin’s Charge Case Accessory, supplied by a third-party vendor, The Verge reports.
Although Humane did not confirm if the charging issue caused a fire, the company identified that certain battery cells from this vendor might pose a fire hazard. Importantly, the AI Pin itself, along with its battery booster and charging pad, remain safe; the issue is confined to the charging case parts.
“Our investigation determined that the battery supplier no longer met our quality standards, and certain battery cells supplied by this vendor may pose a fire safety risk,” Humane wrote in an email to customers, also published on its support website. “Consequently, we immediately disqualified this battery vendor while we identify a new supplier to maintain our high-quality standards.”
Humane acknowledged the inconvenience caused by this issue but emphasized customer safety as the priority. To compensate for the disruption, Humane is offering two free months of its subscription service, essential for most AI Pin features. However, the company has yet to confirm if it will replace the faulty charging cases.
The AI Pin’s launch has been rocky, with critical reviews highlighting issues with basic features like on-palm projection and gesture controls. Additionally, there are reports that Humane might be looking to sell the company just weeks after launching the AI Pin, adding to the device’s turbulent start.
