AI start-up Friend has invested over $1 million in an advertising campaign on the New York subway to promote its wearable AI device. The device, also called Friend, is designed as a companion, offering emotional support and conversation to the user.
The Friend wearable is a pendant powered by Anthropic AI's Claude 3.5 large language model. It is designed to be worn around the neck and interacts with the user via text messages sent to a connected phone. The device continuously records ambient audio, processing it to provide unprompted commentary and support.
Priced at $99 with no subscription fees, Friend aims to offer an accessible entry point into AI companionship. The company emphasises privacy, promising end-to-end encryption and no long-term data storage. Shipping is slated to begin in January 2025.
