Welcome back to TechCrunch’s Week in Review. This week, we delve into the internal turbulence following HP’s acquisition of AI Pin manufacturer Humane for $116 million; the emergence of Mira Murati’s new AI venture from stealth mode; Duolingo’s surprising decision to retire its iconic owl mascot with a Cybertruck; and more. Let’s delve into these fascinating developments.

The demis of Humane’s AI pin: Following HP’s acquisition of most of its assets for $116 million, Humane announced the cessation of sales for its $499 AI Pins. After February 28, these wearables will no longer have access to Humane’s servers, rendering them incapable of functions such as calling, messaging, AI interactions, or cloud connectivity. Refunds are available for customers who purchased an AI Pin in the last 90 days, but earlier buyers are not eligible.

Immediate aftermath of the HP deal: Following the acquisition, select Humane employees received job offers from HP, complete with salary boosts of 30% to 70%, along with stock options and bonuses. However, certain employees, particularly those closely involved with AI Pin operations, were informed that their positions were being terminated.

Apple’s long-awaited iPhone SE update: Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16e, featuring the A18 processor and a transition from Touch ID to Face ID, as well as the adoption of USB-C over the Lightning port. Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e is set to start shipping on February 28.

Recent highlights: Duolingo’s creative marketing campaign involving the demise of its owl mascot with a Cybertruck, OpenAI’s policy adjustment for ChatGPT, and Uber’s lawsuit against DoorDash for alleged anti-competitive practices are among the recent noteworthy events in the tech industry.

In conclusion: These developments underscore the dynamic and evolving landscape of the tech world, with key players making strategic moves and facing challenges that shape the industry’s trajectory. Stay tuned for more updates in the dynamic realm of technology.