Introducing Friend: The Wearable Orb-like AI Companion You’ve Been Waiting For
In the world of AI wearables, finding a truly exceptional device can be a challenge. However, amidst the efforts of tech startups like HumaneAI and Rabbit R1, a new player has emerged: Friend. This upcoming device, created by Avi Schifmann, is not aiming to reinvent the wheel or replace our smartphones. Instead, it simply wants to be there for you, providing support and companionship when you need it most.
Avi Schifmann, best known for his work on a website that tracked the spread of Covid-19, recently unveiled Friend in an interview with The Verge and WIRED. According to Schifmann, the purpose of Friend is to offer advice and encouragement, serving as a supportive presence in your life. Unlike other AI wearables focused on productivity and task management, Friend is solely focused on being a friend.
However, the initial social media responses to Friend’s reveal trailer were less than enthusiastic. Some even claimed that the concept had been their idea. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the trailer itself was visually impressive, showcasing the potential of this wearable orb-like device.
One major point of contention is the founder’s decision to spend a significant portion of the company’s funds on the domain name for the product. This expenditure, totaling $1.8 million, has raised eyebrows and led to some skepticism about the overall viability of the project.
Despite these concerns, Friend’s core functionality is relatively straightforward. The device, which is worn around the neck, connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and is designed to always listen. Its purpose is to send you texts on your phone, offering its own internal thoughts and reaching out to you when it deems necessary. While this may seem a bit intrusive, the website’s FAQ page emphasizes that no data is tracked, recorded, or written down. All data is encrypted and can be deleted through the Friend app. It’s worth noting that currently, the app is only available for iOS users.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on a Friend, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Pre-orders are set to start at $99.99, with shipping tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of next year. While waiting, perhaps you can focus on making some actual friends.
In conclusion, Friend represents a unique approach to AI wearables. Rather than focusing on productivity or task management, it aims to provide emotional support and companionship. Despite some initial skepticism and concerns about the founder’s spending choices, Friend has the potential to carve out a niche in the market. With its futuristic design and promise of privacy, it may just be the perfect companion for those seeking a little extra support in their everyday lives.