Avi Schiffmann, a Harvard dropout, has launched a new AI device called "Friend" today. The wearable AI companion, designed to combat loneliness, is priced at $99 and is set to start shipping in January 2025.
The device, worn as a necklace, allows users to speak their minds and interact with an AI companion. It connects to smartphones via bluetooth and is always listening, forming its own internal thoughts and proactively reaching out to users.
A user posted on X, saying that “Loneliness is a growing issue, and Avi Schiffman might have the solution.”
The key features of "Friend" include, no subscription fees, privacy protection with end-to-end encryption, no storage of audio or transcripts beyond the context window, ability to pause interactions and review conversations.
However, if the device is lost or damaged, there is no recovery plan for the memories stored on it.
AI Wearables Everywhere
The development of AI-powered wearables is not new, but there is a growing interest in creating these devices. A few months ago, the US-based company Limitless launched the Limitless Pendant, an AI-powered wearable that captures user insights while ensuring privacy through features like Consent Mode, which selectively records voices with user consent.
Similarly, Humane AiPin, another AI wearable, seeks to reduce smartphone dependency and has generated excitement with upcoming features like AI agents, gesture-based unlocking, and Google Calendar integration.
Beyond the US, South Korea's VTouch introduced the WIZPR ring, which enhances human-computer interaction through voice-based AI commands.
Not being the first to introduce, earlier in 2020, Schiffmann has gained recognition for his COVID-19 tracking website, which provided up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases globally. The site gained hundreds of millions of users worldwide and was praised by health agencies and experts.
As the AI wearable market continues to evolve, "Friend" represents a unique approach focused on emotional companionship rather than productivity or multitasking.
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