Friend’s AI Necklace Is Your New Companion

The digital world is becoming increasingly so with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. But alongside technical applications, the space is growing to compass social ones as well. That’s where Friend comes in with its new AI-powered necklace. Although this may sound like a Black Mirror episode, it’s real life.

In addition to your real-like companions, Friend is your new digital one that’s been crafted to tackle a variety of life and social situations. You speak, it listens – all the time. Whether you’re playing video games with friends or eating a chicken sandwich, it’s there listening. After speaking to the necklace, it pauses to contemplate its answer and will then send a message to your smartphone (the device only supports iOS software currently).

Also since the Friend is always listening, it has the free will to respond or reach out to you when it desires. If you’re worried about data storage, the company also states: “No audio or transcripts are stored past your friend’s context window. Your data is end-to-end encrypted. All memories can be deleted in one click within the friend app.”

Check out the reveal trailer for Friend here. Retailing for $99 USD, the subscription-free device pre-orders will begin shipping in Q1 of 2025.