Friend's $99 AI Necklace Aims to Combat Loneliness

AI hardware is gaining traction in the startup world, though results have been mixed. Notable examples include devices from Rabbit and Humane, which were met with disappointing receptions. Meanwhile, startups like Limitless and Bee AI are working on their own screenless AI wearables.

Introducing Friend

Avi Schiffmann, a Harvard dropout known for his award-winning COVID-19 tracking website, is developing an AI device called Friend. This neck-worn device is designed to serve as a companion. Schiffmann has raised $2.5 million in funding at a $50 million valuation from investors such as Caffeinated Capital’s Raymond Tonsing, Z Fellows founder Cory Levy, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, Solana founders Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal, Morning Brew CEO Austin Rief, Figma's Jordan Singer, and Google product manager Logan Kilpatrick.

Preorders and Features

The company announced it will start taking preorders for the basic white version of Friend, priced at $99 and expected to ship in January 2025. Unlike other devices focusing on productivity, Friend is a thin layer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and listens to you constantly to combat loneliness.

User Interaction

Users can tap a walkie-talkie button on the hardware to speak to the device, which responds in-app like a text message. Friend can also proactively send messages, such as wishing you good luck before an interview. Designed like a pendant, it hangs around the neck and engages in conversations to offer emotional support.

The Emotional Connection

Schiffmann believes having hardware around your neck facilitates talking to an AI companion better than just having an app. He views Friend as an "emotional toy," with the successful use case being people sharing their day and feelings, similar to tools like Replika or Character AI. However, Friend is intended as a companion, not a therapist or work assistant. Schiffmann highlights constant companionship as one of AI’s key strengths.

Evolution and Privacy

Initially, Schiffmann aimed to create a $600 pendant called Tab to track people and transcribe meetings, taking around $100,000 in preorders. He pivoted earlier this year, offering Tab preorder customers the option to switch to Friend or get a refund. Friend adopts an “always listening” tagline but ensures privacy by not storing recordings and allowing users to delete texts at any time.

Challenges Ahead

Friend takes a unique approach by focusing on companionship over productivity. However, in a market rife with overpromises, privacy concerns, and issues regarding real human connection, the pendant faces significant challenges in building trust.