The Humane AI Pin aimed to be a replacement for smartphones with no screen and the power of generative AI, but the company making it didn’t last long, and all existing Pin devices have been cut off from the servers powering them. A new project is hoping to make them useful again.

A group of udevelopers started an open-source project called OpenPin with the goal of bringing the device back to life. OpenPin gets around the problem of Humane’s dead servers by providing a new server system. By modifying the AI Pin’s software, users can connect their devices to the OpenPin server and get back many of its original features.

Technically, OpenPin requires an interposer, a small adapter that acts as a link between the AI Pin and the new server. These interposers can be bought online or even built by people with technical skills, showing how determined and creative the community is. The OpenPin server lets users keep using many of the AI Pin’s original functions, including a virtual assistant that can set reminders, give directions, search the web, and check weather or stock updates.

The device’s ability to analyze photos and recognize images still works, too. OpenPin also keeps the AI Pin’s photo and video recording feature (though limited to 15 seconds) and its translation tool, which converts spoken words between languages.

Originally pitched as a groundbreaking AI assistant that would let people stop using phones, the device soon became known for being too expensive and not powerful enough. A big part of its problem was that most of its features depended on a paid subscription, meaning the device barely worked unless users kept paying every month. The high upfront cost, around $699, plus the required subscription fees, made it hard for people to justify buying it, making customers more unhappy. In the end, the AI Pin didn’t deliver on its big promises and went under.

This decision effectively broke all existing AI Pins by cutting off their connection to Humane’s servers, leaving users with expensive, useless gadgets. The only option for some was a partial refund, but only if they had bought the device recently.

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The AI Pin’s story should have ended due to its failure in the market, but this is an interesting case. This open-source movement could actually save the failed AI Pin, which may now have a new future. By working together and sharing knowledge, the OpenPin community has kept these devices from becoming electronic waste and proved that users can find ways around corporate decisions that hurt consumers.

HP still owns Humane since buying it in early 2025 but made sure to take out any AI Pin workers. While HP took over Humane’s software, patents, and employees, the AI Pin hardware division was considered unprofitable and shut down.

The OpenPin project could do a lot of good for wearable technology. It would be cool to be able to buy discontinued tech like the AI Pin and make new uses for it. An individual doesn’t need to worry about profitability, and groups of people could make whole new tech outside of the original intentions.

If you’re interested in trying the OpenPin project, you can buy one on Etsy or use Github to make your own.

site: Liliputing