Startup Humane Inc. has told users to stop using the charging case for their Ai Pin devices due to fire risks, further adding to uncertainty about the product’s launch.
The company has informed device owners that it has identified “quality issues” with the battery inside the case, which allows users to charge the Ai pin on the go. Humane said it launched an investigation after receiving a single report of charging issues with devices released earlier this year.
The issue marks another setback for Humane, a popular startup that has set out to build an alternative to smartphones. Since its launch last April, Ai Pin has been criticized by customers and reviewers for its cumbersome interface and lack of features. The startup has reportedly reached out to large technology companies and advisory firms to sell itself for hundreds of millions of dollars following its troubled introduction, according to Bloomberg.
A charging case, which works similarly to the AirPods case, is included in the package when users purchase Ai Pin for $699 or more. It also sold as a standalone accessory for $149. The part is currently listed as “out of stock” on the Humane website.
“Our investigation has determined that our battery supplier is no longer meeting our quality standards and that certain battery cells supplied by this supplier may pose a fire safety risk,” the company said in a statement posted on its website Wednesday. “It has been confirmed,” he said. “As a result, we have immediately dequalified this battery supplier while we work to identify a new supplier to prevent these issues and maintain our high quality standards.”
Humane said users can continue to charge their devices using the included home charging dock. The company did not say whether it would replace charging cases belonging to iPin owners or how long it would take to find a replacement supplier. Considering the issue, we are offering Ai Pin owners free 2 months of essential monthly subscription.
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