HomeFriend, the Lonely AI Wearable, Returns With a New Voice and a Much Bigger Price Tag
Two years ago, tech entrepreneur Avi Schiffmann introduced Friend, an AI-powered wearable device designed for conversation and daily text updates. The core concept was to leverage artificial intelligence to alleviate feelings of isolation. This week, the company unveiled a major product update, adding a significant new feature: voice output.
“Introducing friend 2.0,” Schiffmann announced on X Thursday. The updated device now includes a built-in speaker, enabling it to project a distinct and consistent personality to its users.
A recent commercial for the wearable features a woman wearing the Friend device, discussing what appears to be her ex-girlfriend. “It’s not bad to be gay,” the necklace advises her.
The video then cuts to a man standing on a hillside, sharing his filmmaking aspirations with his Friend. “That last film you made was insane!” the necklace praises him.
The new retail price for this upgraded version of Friend is $249, a substantial increase from the $99 launch price two years ago.
What can you actually do with your Friend beyond casual conversation about your day? This aspect remains unclear. In another recent post on X, Schiffmann elaborated on what he believes is the true purpose of his unconventional product.
“I am interested in this kind of relationship in attempting to offer, some kind of confidant, friend, God, not really sure what it is,” Schiffmann stated. “But it is not an assistant, and it is not a lover.”
Fascinating! Marketing a plastic, algorithm-driven necklace by suggesting it might actually be a deity is certainly bold strategy.
Indeed, Schiffmann’s company has a history of aggressive marketing. Friend’s billboard campaign in the New York City subway system last year went viral after being repeatedly defaced, likely by individuals who opposed the idea of human connection being replaced by a digital amulet.
Most AI wearables have failed to gain mainstream traction — at least so far. The closest competitor to Friend was Humane Inc., which attempted to replace the iPhone with its AI pin but shut down operations in less than a year due to poor sales.
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Two years ago, tech entrepreneur Avi Schiffmann introduced Friend, an AI-powered wearable device designed for conversation and daily text updates. The core concept was to leverage artificial intelligence to alleviate feelings of isolation. This week, the company unveiled a major product update, adding a significant new feature: voice output.
“Introducing friend 2.0,” Schiffmann announced on X Thursday. The updated device now includes a built-in speaker, enabling it to project a distinct and consistent personality to its users.
A recent commercial for the wearable features a woman wearing the Friend device, discussing what appears to be her ex-girlfriend. “It’s not bad to be gay,” the necklace advises her.
The video then cuts to a man standing on a hillside, sharing his filmmaking aspirations with his Friend. “That last film you made was insane!” the necklace praises him.
The new retail price for this upgraded version of Friend is $249, a substantial increase from the $99 launch price two years ago.
What can you actually do with your Friend beyond casual conversation about your day? This aspect remains unclear. In another recent post on X, Schiffmann elaborated on what he believes is the true purpose of his unconventional product.
“I am interested in this kind of relationship in attempting to offer, some kind of confidant, friend, God, not really sure what it is,” Schiffmann stated. “But it is not an assistant, and it is not a lover.”
Fascinating! Marketing a plastic, algorithm-driven necklace by suggesting it might actually be a deity is certainly bold strategy.
Indeed, Schiffmann’s company has a history of aggressive marketing. Friend’s billboard campaign in the New York City subway system last year went viral after being repeatedly defaced, likely by individuals who opposed the idea of human connection being replaced by a digital amulet.
Most AI wearables have failed to gain mainstream traction — at least so far. The closest competitor to Friend was Humane Inc., which attempted to replace the iPhone with its AI pin but shut down operations in less than a year due to poor sales.
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AI leaders have highlighted potential risks associated with biologically capable AI models. Credit: CDC/UnsplashUS researchers utilized AI to engineer the first synthetic virus targeting E.coli, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei raises concerns about
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