In the fast-paced world of tech and crypto, hype can make or break a project. A recent tweet from Drew Coffman, who's involved with the Base blockchain and Noun Coffee, sparked curiosity about the origins of Humane's AI Pin. He wondered if it started as a "calm tech" device—tech that's subtle and non-intrusive, designed to blend into your life without demanding constant attention—and only later pivoted to the AI frenzy we all know today. It's a compelling thought, especially when you look at how similar shifts happen in the meme token space.

For those not familiar, Humane was founded back in 2018 by ex-Apple execs Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri. Their initial vision? To create a wearable that could free people from smartphone addiction. Think about it: around that time, features like Apple's Screen Time were highlighting how glued we are to our screens. Humane aimed to build something that projected info when needed, letting you stay present in the real world. Sounds a lot like calm technology, a concept from the '90s by Mark Weiser, where tech informs you calmly without overwhelming notifications or endless scrolling.

But then came the AI boom, kicked off by tools like ChatGPT in late 2022. According to insights from tech analyses, Humane appears to have shifted gears around 2023, rebranding their device as the AI Pin—a voice-activated, screenless assistant that promised to handle calls, messages, and queries via AI. They raised over $230 million, hyping it as the next big thing to replace your phone. The pivot made sense on paper; AI was the hottest keyword, drawing investors like moths to a flame.

Fast-forward to 2024: the AI Pin launched to mixed reviews. It was clunky, overheated, had battery issues, and required a $24 monthly subscription. Critics pointed out it didn't deliver on the seamless experience promised. By early 2025, Humane sold most of its assets to HP for $116 million and discontinued the product. What started as an ambitious idea to promote mindful tech use ended up as another cautionary tale in the AI hype cycle.

Now, why does this matter to meme token enthusiasts and blockchain builders? Meme tokens thrive on hype, much like Humane's pivot. Remember when projects suddenly slapped "AI" into their whitepapers to ride the wave? Tokens like Grok (inspired by xAI) or other AI-themed memes surged in value based on buzz alone, without much substance. But just like Humane, if the core idea isn't validated early, the hype fizzles out, leaving holders with rug pulls or dead projects.

Take lessons from Humane's journey:

• Validate early: Humane developed in secrecy for years without real user feedback. In crypto, test your meme's concept with the community before pumping marketing.
• Beware trend-chasing pivots: Shifting to the latest buzzword—be it AI, DeFi, or Web3 gaming—can attract short-term gains but risks long-term failure if it doesn't align with your original value prop.
• Focus on utility: Calm tech aimed at real problems like screen addiction. Successful meme tokens, like those on Base or Solana, often start with fun but evolve into communities with actual tools or ecosystems.
• Manage expectations: Humane overpromised on a phone replacement. In the meme world, transparency about what your token really offers can build lasting loyalty.

Drew's tweet opens the door for insiders to share the full story—maybe some ex-Humane folks will chime in on platforms like X or Reddit. If they do, it could reveal even more about how tech narratives evolve. For now, it's a reminder that in both Silicon Valley and the crypto space, authentic ideas beat forced hype every time.

If you're building a meme token, think about your "original pitch." Is it rooted in something genuine, or just chasing the next bull run? Check out resources on Base blockchain for community-driven projects, or explore calm technology principles to inspire less intrusive Web3 experiences. Who knows—maybe the next big meme will be one that helps us unplug a bit.