Already panned when it was released by all the journalists who got their hands on it, Humane Ai Pin now finds itself plunged into a new controversy linked to fire risks.
There’s a taste of Galaxy Note 7 in the air. The Humane Ai Pin, the small connected object that wanted to replace your smartphone, has just been the subject of a warning from its manufacturer due to fire risks. As revealed by The Verge, the company that builds the accessory has just sent an email to all its customers and customers to warn them of a manufacturing defect in the device’s charging case. The latter could pose “ fire hazard when used“.
A non-standard accessory
“After receiving a single report regarding the charging case being used with a third-party USB-C plug, we identified a construction issue with the accessory […] As a precaution, we therefore advise you to immediately stop using the charging case», Indicates the company in its email. In order not to completely lose face, the firm also announced that it had separated from the service provider that manufactures the batteries for the case and was looking for a new one.which meets quality requirements» of the company.
Fortunately, the charging case is not the only way to give a boost of juice to the small connected pin. The “Charge Case” is an additional accessory sold for $149 which simply makes it easier to recharge the gadget by sliding it into a metal case. The induction charger, which is shipped natively with the Ai Pin, “is not concerned» by these problems specifies Humane, just like the “Battery Booster”, a sort of external battery to stick to the back of the accessory.
A new blow for Humane
Strangely, the company only communicated this information by email, making no mention of it on its website or on its Twitter account. Even the details given by mail remain vague, with no mention of a potential replacement of the defective accessory or address to which to return the case. Humane just promises to “share new information» once the investigation is finished. Grand prince, the company will still offer “two months free» subscriptions to people affected by this problem.
If zero risk does not exist in the design of electronic products, Samsung knows this better than anyone, the news is still particularly bad for Humane. Already widely criticized upon its release for its unergonomic interface and its questionable technical sheet, the Ai Pin did not need additional controversy, especially one likely to endanger the rare customers who purchased the product. This should not help the business of the company, which is already looking for a buyer, we learnBloomberg.