We humans are quickly embracing AI and AI gadgets in our everyday lives. Before diving into the details of the Friend AI Necklace, let me share some interesting facts that came to mind while writing this article. It all started with the rise of smartphones (of course) when AI first became part of the phone’s operating system. However, the history of AI voice assistants in smartphones goes back even further than Google Assistant, Samsung Bixby, and Apple’s Siri. I remember an Android smartphone from 2012 that had an AI Voice Assistant called ‘Aisha.’
So, with rapid advancement, AI got better and we also get some interesting devices/gadgets like IOT Spekers, Fitbit, smart neckbands, smart mirrors, AI Tools/ Chatbots (like ChatGPT, Bing AI, Gemini AI, etc), Rabbit R1, Humane AI pin and now we have AI Necklace. A few seconds are still left but now let’s talk about this new gadget.
What is the “Friend AI Necklace”?
This unique necklace is called the “Friend AI Necklace.” It’s a tiny gadget that hangs around your neck to keep you company when you’re feeling lonely. But instead of talking to you out loud like Alexa or Siri, this friend listens to what you say and then sends a message to your phone so you can read it.
The friend necklace is about the size of an Apple AirTag, and it can’t control your lights or look things up online like Alexa does. Instead, it’s designed to keep you company when you’re feeling lonely.
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The AI Friend Necklace was created by Avi Schiffmann, who became well-known for making an award-winning COVID-tracking website when he was 17. Since then, he’s worked on many successful projects. While in Japan, he was busy developing “friends Tab”, a wearable gadget that helps keep track of people and transcribe meetings. Friend AI Necklace is the next version of the “friends Tab”.
Key Details:
- Friend AI Necklace founder: Created by Avi Schiffmann (~22 Years)
- Powered by: Anthropic AI’s Claude 3.5 large language model
- Battery Life: 15 hours
- Charging Port: USB-C port
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, requires an Internet connection on a connected Smartphone.
- Supported Smartphone OS: Apple iOS
- Storage: No internal storage
- Current Status: Available to preorder
- Friend AI necklace website (Official): friend.com
How Does It Work?
The Friend AI Necklace has a built-in microphone that listens to everything around you by default. You can tap and hold it to ask a question, but sometimes it will send you messages on its own—like commenting on a conversation you just had. It uses Anthropic AI’s Claude 3.5 language model, which allows it to chat with you, offer support, or even tease you if you’re not doing well in a game.
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Here is the Friend AI Necklace Trailer:
Key Features:
- Talking to Your Friend: If you want to chat, tap the necklace, and it listens. Then, it sends a text message/notification to your phone with a response.
- Always Listening: The necklace is always paying attention and can even start a conversation with you on its own if it feels like it. It’s like having a friend who sometimes says, “Hey, how are you?” or “What’s up?”
- No Talking Back: Unlike Siri or Alexa, this necklace doesn’t talk back. It’s more like a pen pal who sends you letters, but in this case, the letters are text messages on your phone.
- Bluetooth and Free Will: When connected via Bluetooth, the necklace is “always listening and thinking on its own.” It can also decide by itself when to start a conversation with you.
An Example
Let’s say you’re walking in the park and feeling a little bored. You tap your necklace and say, “I’m having a nice walk.” A few moments later, your phone might buzz, and you’ll see a message from your necklace saying, “That sounds relaxing! What else are you doing today?”
You can check the friend’s AI necklace Commercial Ad or trailer to see more examples. Since it is still in the pre-order state there is no Friend AI Necklace review or shared experience available, but you can read Gael Cooper’s take on it.
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Purpose of Friend AI Necklace?
The Friend AI Necklace is designed for people who sometimes feel lonely and want someone—or something—to talk to. It’s like having a quiet friend who is always there for you, ready to chat whenever you need it. Even though it doesn’t talk back with a voice like a person would, it still tries to keep you company in its own unique way.
In simple terms, this necklace works like a friend that you wear around your neck. When you talk to it, it sends you text messages in response, giving you someone to communicate with even if it’s not a real person.
The Friend AI Necklace is great for Feeling Less Lonely, Conversation Starters, Emotional Support, Entertainment, Personal Reflection, etc.
Few Potential Concerns with Friend AI Necklace
Gael Cooper at CNET mentioned one big issue with the Friend AI Necklace, every time you want to talk to it, you have to tap the necklace, wait for a beep, and then look at your phone to read its reply because it can’t talk back like other virtual assistants. If you’re feeling lonely and already have a smartphone, wouldn’t you just text a real person, scroll through the news, or play a game like Candy Crush to pass the time instead?
During our research on the Friend necklace, we at We Observed found another potential concern. According to the FAQ, when it’s connected via Bluetooth, it’s “always listening and forming its own internal thoughts.” The device is even given “free will” to decide when it wants to start a conversation with you. This could be unsettling for some users, as it means the device is constantly monitoring and may reach out at unexpected times.
What About Privacy?
If you’re worried about privacy, the official website’s FAQ assures that no audio recordings or transcripts are saved beyond your friend’s immediate context window. All your data is protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning it’s secure from being accessed by others. Additionally, you can delete all memories with just one click using the Friend app.
However, it’s important to remember that if you lose or damage the device, there’s no way to recover those memories or any data stored on it. It has a USB Type-C port, but it’s unclear how much functionality it offers beyond charging the device.
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Friend AI Necklace Price and Availability
The Friend AI Necklace costs $99 and is available for pre-order, with shipping set to begin in Q1 2025. For now, it only works with iOS devices, but Android support is coming soon. The necklace is available in two colors: black and white. Unlike some other AI services, Friend doesn’t require a subscription fee, but it’s only available in the United States and Canada for now.
Will you buy a Friend AI necklace for Yourself?
Indeed, technology can’t replace genuine human interactions. While the Friend AI Necklace is an exciting and innovative gadget, it remains an AI tool with its own set of features, battery life, and limitations. One concern to consider is whether people will feel comfortable knowing the device’s microphone is always on. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if this gadget meets your needs. Take your time to consider these factors before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does it have a subscription fee?
Ans. No, it costs $99 USD and doesn’t have any subscription fees.
Q. Does it need a smartphone to work?
Ans. Yes, Friend works over Bluetooth and needs an internet connection.
Q. What payment methods are accepted?
Ans. Credit/debit cards and Cash App Pay.
Q. What happens if I break or lose the device?
Ans. Your friend and all its memories are stored in the physical device. If you lose or damage it, there’s no way to recover them.
Q. What will be in the box?
Ans. You’ll get a white Friend device, two gray lanyards, and a white case. The box also includes a USB-C charging cable and a quick start guide.
Credits and Reference Articles:
- Credit for all the pictures used in this article goes to friends.com or friends company. Hope they are friendly with all these.
- Credits for information: techradar.com, fastcompany.com, lifehacker.com
