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AI Necklace 'Friend' Gets Voice, Asks $249
31 Jul
Summary
- Friend AI wearable now features a voice and speaker.
- The upgraded device is priced at $249, up from $99.
- Founder describes it as a confidant, not an assistant or lover.
Two years after its initial launch, the AI wearable Friend has undergone a substantial transformation, now incorporating a voice capability. This enhancement, introduced this week, allows the device to project a distinct personality. Originally priced at $99, the updated Friend 2.0 is now retailing for $249.
Founder Avi Schiffmann clarified the product's purpose, stating it is intended to be a confidant, distinct from an assistant or a romantic partner. This positioning has drawn attention, particularly given the company's history of bold marketing strategies, including a viral billboard campaign last year.
Most AI wearables have struggled to gain widespread adoption. For example, Humane Inc.'s AI Pin, which aimed to replace smartphones, ceased operations within its first year due to poor sales, highlighting the challenges in this market.
