Amazon Acquires Wearable AI Firm

Amazon has acquired Bee, a startup specialising in wearable AI technology, for an undisclosed sum. Bee is known for its $50 wrist-worn device that continuously listens to and transcribes conversations. The device uses dual microphones to isolate the user's voice and create real-time transcriptions on a connected smartphone. The company claims only text transcriptions are stored, not raw audio, to generate summaries and reminders.

Bee's team will join Amazon's Devices & Services division to develop personal AI features. This acquisition strengthens Amazon's position in the competitive personal AI hardware market, pitting it against rivals like Meta and OpenAI. Amazon aims to integrate Bee's technology to create AI assistants that learn from daily conversations and routines to offer proactive suggestions and reminders.

The acquisition highlights the tech industry's focus on wearable and ambient AI as the next major computing platform. Bee had raised $7 million in venture funding and launched its device with a subscription model for advanced features. The deal underscores the growing importance of AI-powered devices that can seamlessly integrate into daily life.