Friend AI Wearable Relaunches with Voice Feature and $249 Price Tag
Tech founder Avi Schiffmann has introduced an upgraded version of the Friend AI wearable, dubbed friend 2.0. The device, designed as a necklace to help combat loneliness, now features a built-in speaker that allows it to speak directly to users rather than relying solely on text messages.
What Happened
Two years after its initial launch as a $99 device, the Friend AI wearable has undergone a major overhaul. Founder Avi Schiffmann announced the release of friend 2.0 on social media, highlighting the addition of a voice feature. Equipped with an integrated speaker, the device is designed to project a consistent personality during conversations with its owner.
Along with the audio upgrade, the retail price of the necklace has increased significantly to $249. A promotional video released by the company demonstrates the device interacting with users, including offering reassuring remarks to a woman discussing her relationship and complimenting a man on his filmmaking efforts. While the product is marketed as a personal companion, its exact utility beyond casual conversation remains open to interpretation.
Key Highlights
- Voice Upgrade: Friend 2.0 introduces a built-in speaker capable of speaking directly to users with a distinct personality.
- Price Increase: The device now retails for $249, up from the original $99 price tag set two years ago.
- Core Purpose: Founder Avi Schiffmann described the wearable as a confidant or friend rather than an AI assistant or romantic partner.
- Past Campaigns: Previous advertising efforts for the wearable included subway billboards in New York City that faced public defacement.
Why This Matters
The relaunch highlights ongoing efforts by hardware creators to find a market for dedicated artificial intelligence devices aimed at personal companionship. Schiffmann has clarified that the wearable is not designed to function as a productivity assistant or a romantic partner, but rather as a confidant for the wearer.
However, consumer AI wearables face significant commercial challenges and have generally struggled to catch on with mainstream users. For example, startup Humane Inc. attempted to replace smartphones with an AI pin, but was forced to shut down its business in less than a year due to poor sales.
What to Watch Next
It remains to be seen how consumers will respond to the $249 price point and the added voice functionality of friend 2.0. Future updates and market responses will indicate whether the companion device can establish a sustainable presence in the AI hardware segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main new feature in Friend 2.0?
Friend 2.0 includes a built-in speaker that allows the wearable necklace to speak to the user using a distinct, consistent voice personality.
How much does the updated Friend AI wearable cost?
The new version of the Friend wearable is priced at $249, compared to its original launch price of $99 two years ago.
Is Friend 2.0 intended to be a digital assistant?
No, creator Avi Schiffmann has explicitly stated that the device is not an assistant or a lover, but is intended as a confidant or personal companion.
Source: TechCrunch