AI Pendant 'Friend' Launches for Emotional Support

Avi Schiffmann, a young tech entrepreneur, has launched 'Friend', an AI-powered pendant designed to combat loneliness by providing emotional companionship rather than productivity. This device features a constantly-running microphone that listens to the user's surroundings and communicates through text messages and notifications on a connected smartphone. Priced at $99, the initial 30,000 units are available for preorder and set to ship in January 2025. The technology utilizes Anthropic AI's Claude 3.5 model, focusing on supportive interactions that aim to boost users' self-esteem. While the concept has received mixed reactions, with critics questioning its efficacy, Schiffmann emphasizes that it is a simple tool meant to foster personal connection rather than enhance productivity. The project has garnered attention due to Schiffmann's previous success in creating COVID-19 tracking platforms, alongside a significant investment in the device's branding.