Humane is Dead, Thinking Machines is Alive

Humane, HP, Thinking Machines

HP Acquires Humane AI Assets for $116M

彭博资讯 reports HP has acquired assets of once-buzzy AI Pin startup Humane for $116M. Humane's wearable AI Pin will be discontinued by the end of this month. Humane’s team—including founders Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno will join HP to integrate AI into its personal computing and office technology. Humane had initially launched the AI Pin in November 2023, promoting it as a smartphone alternative, but the device faced widespread criticism over glitches, overheating concerns, and limited functionality. Despite raising over $230 million and seeking a much higher acquisition price last year, the company struggled with returns outpacing sales. HP’s acquisition includes Humane’s AI software platform, CosmOS, which could be integrated across HP’s product ecosystem. The deal is expected to close by the end of the month.

Mira Murati's Brings Thinking Machines out of Stealth

Mira Murati , former CTO of OpenAI , has launched Thinking Machines Lab, an AI startup focused on developing multi-modal AI systems designed for human collaboration. Murati has assembled a team of former OpenAI and Google DeepMind researchers. Her stated aim is to create AI models that are highly customizable, widely understood, and capable of driving scientific and engineering breakthroughs.

Thinking Machines Lab is developing AI systems that work across text, audio, and video while addressing current gaps in AI safety and transparency. The startup plans to share research, datasets, and best practices with the broader AI community, distinguishing itself from more closed-off approaches.

Murati, who briefly served as OpenAI’s interim CEO before departing in late 2023, has been in discussions with venture capital firms and is reportedly seeking to raise around $1 billion.

The company’s leadership includes John Schulman, co-founder of OpenAI and former research scientist, who is serving as chief scientist. Barret Zoph, previously OpenAI’s vice president of research, has taken on the role of CTO.

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