A Popular tech reviewer’s video sparks debate about the influence.
A recent critical video by renowned American gadget vlogger Marques Brownlee on the Humane AI pin has sparked discussion around the influence wielded by popular tech reviewers.
The Humane AI pin is a wearable device launched last year that aims to tap advances in generative AI through partnerships with Microsoft and OpenAI. It functions without a screen to access the internet, translate languages, and more via AI integrations.
However, Brownlee’s nearly 25-minute footage uploaded in April revealed flaws in the pin’s functionality. Given the price, he panned the $699 device from lag to unimpressive capabilities, which also requires a monthly $24 subscription.
The video went viral and raised questions about the little-known humane startup’s prospects. Founded by ex-Apple designers, it raised $100 million from investors last year, including industry giants Microsoft and Qualcomm.
This comes at a time when individual reviewers on YouTube claim millions of subscribers have the power to make or break new products. Brownlee, known for impartial evaluations, also faced criticism for the potential economic impact.
The incident provoked discussion on the lack of regulation governing influence in emergent spaces and on companies’ vulnerability to negative assessments. It has brought attention to Humane and spotlighted the difficult balancing act for reviewers and startups alike in the dynamic consumer tech ecosystem.
