Humane AI – Pico Laser Projection – AI Twist on an Old Scam (2023)
Humane’s $700 AI Pin wearable, which projects a laser interface onto the user’s hand and relies heavily on voice and cloud AI, is being scrutinized as an overhyped gadget built on well-known, physically constrained pico‑projection tech rather than a true breakthrough. Commenters argue over whether it crosses the line into a scam — citing photoshopped marketing images, unrealistic battery and usability claims, and a last‑minute “AI” pivot — or is simply a poorly conceived, first‑generation product. The broader thread questions VC due diligence, “fake it till you make it” startup culture, and the growing public backlash against heavily marketed tech that fails to match its promises.
Scope of Criticism: “Scam” vs Bad v1 Product
- Many object to calling Humane a “scam,” arguing there’s no clear evidence of malicious intent; they see it as overhyped, poorly executed hardware and product strategy.
- Others say knowingly overselling capabilities (e.g., projections that violate basic physics, glossy promos that don’t match reality) is scam-like, even if some functionality exists.
- Comparisons are made to Theranos (hard physical limits ignored), Magic Leap, Juicero, and overhyped Segway/Google Glass launches.
Projection Tech & Physics Constraints
- Pico projectors and laser-on-skin concepts are described as old, repeatedly unsuccessful ideas; physics (brightness, safety limits, contrast on skin) is a hard constraint.
- Class‑2 laser power (≈1 mW) is seen as inherently too dim for outdoor use; reviewers cited in the thread describe the projector as nearly useless in daylight.
- Monochrome cyan, limited grayscale, small image size, and distortion on curved skin further reduce usability.
Usability, Reviews, and Product-Market Fit
- Hands-on reviews summarized in the thread label the device slow, hot, battery-limited, and essentially “useless,” despite decent industrial design.
- Voice as primary input, awkward gestures, no real screen, and separate number/subscription are seen as worse than just using a phone or smartwatch.
- Some see potential if repositioned as a phone peripheral, opened to apps, or bundled with AR glasses; a few would consider a more mature gen‑2.
Marketing, Hype, and Public Backlash
- Humane is criticized for “cosplaying Apple”: black-turtleneck aesthetics, lofty rhetoric about revolution and magic, but no grounded use case or ecosystem.
- The intense pile-on is debated: some call it mob mentality; others say skepticism was building for years and was validated when reality arrived.
- There’s broader concern that overhyped AI hardware poisons the well for more modest, useful AI devices.
VC Incentives and Startup Culture
- Several comments frame this as a VC-facing “moonshot” pitch culture: founders must promise the impossible to get funding, then ship whatever is feasible.
- Some argue this “fake it till you make it” ethos blurs the line between ambitious vision and scam, and is now normalized in tech.
Alternatives and Broader Tech Context
- Multiple posts note existing devices (smartphones, smartwatches, earables) could handle most “AI assistant” functions without dubious projection.
- Some speculate more plausible futures: AR glasses or even brain–computer interfaces before truly practical palm projection.