AI Pendant Aims to Combat Loneliness
- A wearable AI communication device, Friend, has been developed.
- The gadget continuously listens to the owner and responds to questions or engages in conversation at the press of a button.
- X users have had mixed reactions to the new product.
Developer and entrepreneur Avi Schiffmann has launched the AI-powered pendant Friend, designed to tackle loneliness.
introducing friend. not imaginary.
order now at https://t.co/7kGiH5pQVK pic.twitter.com/qU58xNvX5v
— Avi (@AviSchiffmann) July 30, 2024
The gadget is a disc-shaped device worn around the neck, connecting to a phone via Bluetooth and constantly listening to the owner. By pressing a button, users can converse with the pendant, which sends a text response through an app.
Friend listens continuously, allowing it to preemptively send messages, such as wishing the user luck before an interview.
“I see this product as an emotional toy. I think the only successful use case for large language models is when people talk about their day and feelings with tools like Replika or Character AI. I believe that with hardware, this emotional connection will be closer,” Schiffmann told TechCrunch.
According to him, the device is not meant to be a therapist or assist with work. It is an AI friend for conversation.
The pendant is available for pre-order at $99 in the US and Canada, with shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Schiffmann has raised $2.5 million in funding, valuing his company at $50 million. Investors include Solana co-founders Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal, Raymond Tonsing of Caffeinated Capital, Z Fellows founder Cory Levy, Morning Brew CEO Austin Rief, among others.
Public Reaction
The public has reacted to the launch of the new gadget with mixed feelings. Some found it useful, while others did not.
Some noted that the video resembles an episode of “Black Mirror,” a British sci-fi anthology series exploring the impact of technology on human relationships.
Others dubbed Friend a “Tamagotchi,” referring to the virtual pet, possibly due to the similar form factor, though the functionality differs.
One X user requested a similar gadget with a camera. Schiffmann indicated that this would be the next version of Friend.
In 2021, Japanese company Takara Tomy created an AI doll, Ami-Chan, to alleviate loneliness among the elderly.
Elon Musk identified AI as his primary concern, fearing it could eliminate the need for human labor.
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