The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now
Why Hacker News recommends it
Referenced as the definitive review explaining why the AI Pin failed.
What it is
Marques Brownlee reviews the Humane AI Pin and calls it the worst product he has reviewed, arguing almost no one should buy it. He explains why smartphones still beat it as a daily carry device.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2024 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec light_triad · 2025-02 · on “HP Acquires Humane's AI Software”
Interesting they thought they could disrupt phones: devices with almost 20 years of iterative improvements, extremely mature app stores, tons of functionality, fast ubiquitous internet, etc. You couldn't even connect the Ai Pin to your phone ?! Lock-in makes sense but it was a very risky bet. Essential viewing: Review of the Ai Pin - The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now ( [this video] )
Cites ZiiS · 2024-04 · on “Humane AI – Pico Laser Projection – AI Twist on an Old Scam (2023)”
They have got really positive (relatively) reviews though [this video] "The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now" at least a different league then the other scams listed.
Cites bap · 2024-04 · on “Show HN: A self-published art book about Google's first 25 years”
Marques Brownlee recently published a video about the Humane AI Pin (device) [1] and I noticed this book in some of the device shots, found it curious and had (incorrectly it seems) assumed it was some kind of internal Google swag. Well played Mr. da Maia :) 1 [this video]
Cites johndamaia · 2024-04 · on “Show HN: A self-published art book about Google's first 25 years”
Yes! Good catch, it also shows very clearly in minute 3:51 [0]. Thank you so much for your support! [0] - [this video]
Cites nozzlegear · 2024-09 · on “Mkbsd: Download all the wallpapers in MKBHD's "Panels" app for free”
How does what you said jive with, for example, his review of the Humane AI Pin¹, where he reviewed the product so negatively that he received flak on social media for being too harsh and careless with his influence. Another video of his, a review of the Fisker Ocean², lead to accusations that he killed the company behind the car due to the negative review. ¹ MKBHD: The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now [this video] ² Auto Focus: This is the Worst Car I've Ever Reviewed [LINK] ³ MKBHD: Do Bad Reviews Kill Companies? [LINK]
Cites m463 · 2024-10 · on “Ed Roberts created the personal computer industry (2023)”
Thinking about this MVP, I wonder if in another 50 years people will describe products like the AI pin that MKBHD panned in the same way. EDIT: "The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now" [this video]
Cites mattnewton · 2025-05 · on “Sam Altman and Jony Ive Will Force A.I. Into Your Life”
Marques meant that, they are very good at the broad category of a daily carry consumer device [0]. If you are competing against them, they are heavily favored to win. If you want to make a consumer device, as all these ai hardware companies like humane professed, you are competing against smartphones which have kinda evolved like a desire path, smooshing together all the previous personal electronics in a general form factor. [0] [this video] if it’s helpful context, he has similar conclusions in his rabbit r1 review. I am quoting him because I think he’s saying it more clearly than the same vibe I get, that these devices are borne out of a company objective to own a platform and not a user need