Friend AI wearable relaunches with voice feature at $249
Avi Schiffmann's Friend AI wearable, originally launched two years ago as a text-based companion to combat loneliness, has been overhauled with a built-in speaker that projects a consistent personality. The new version, dubbed Friend 2.0, is priced at $249, up from $99. A commercial depicts a woman discussing an ex-girlfriend with the device, which responds, "It's not bad to be gay," and a man receiving praise for his filmmaking. Schiffmann described the product as "not an assistant, and not a lover" but potentially a "confidant, friend, God." Friend's previous NYC subway billboard campaign was defaced. The broader AI wearable market has struggled, with Humane Inc. shutting down after poor sales.
Key facts
- Avi Schiffmann launched Friend two years ago as an AI wearable that sent text messages.
- Friend 2.0 now includes a built-in speaker for voice interaction.
- The new price is $249, significantly higher than the original $99.
- A commercial shows a woman talking about an ex-girlfriend and a man discussing filmmaking.
- Schiffmann described Friend as a potential 'confidant, friend, God' but not an assistant or lover.
- Friend's previous NYC subway billboard campaign was defaced.
- Humane Inc., a similar AI wearable, shut down after less than a year.
- The product aims to use AI to combat loneliness.
Entities
Artists
- Avi Schiffmann
Institutions
- Friend
- Humane Inc.
Locations
- New York City
- United States