Technology
Life and style
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Well actually
Wearable technology
Meet Friend: a ‘Tamagotchi with a soul’, wearable AI companion that records your
interactions and texts back
Your friend is named Amy. Or Jackson. Or whatever name you’d like. They support
you, rib you and check in on how you’re doing. They’re a blisteringly attentive
listener who will never ask you to help them move, or to come see their one-man
play. They cost $99 and are expected to ship out in early 2025.
Meet Friend: a new wearable AI companion that you wear around your neck. The
small, white, puck-shaped device records your every word and interaction and
responds accordingly by text. (The company says it does not store the audio;
according to the website, data is encrypted and users can delete “memories”.) An
ad for the product shows people wearing it while they hike, game, work and
flirt. “How’s the falafel?” Friend asks a woman eating falafel wrap. “You’re
getting thrashed, it’s embarrassing!” Friend texts a guy playing video games
with friends (human).
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