The market for artificial intelligence wearables is expanding rapidly as major tech companies and emerging startups introduce devices designed to integrate AI into everyday routines. These gadgets, which include necklaces, rings, and wristbands, serve diverse functions from productivity enhancement to emotional support.
Amazon and Meta Enter the Wearable Space
Amazon has officially launched its first AI wearables following its acquisition of the startup Bee in July 2025. The company introduced two new models: the Bee Frontier, priced at $74.99, and the Bee Eclipse, priced at $99.99. The Frontier can be worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing, while the Eclipse is a credit-card-sized device that attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone. Both devices record audio, learn user preferences, and generate reminders or notes. They also offer connectivity with Alexa. This move positions Bee as a more affordable alternative to competitors like the Plaud Note and Plaud NotePin.
Meanwhile, Meta introduced its first AI wearable in September, featuring a personal assistant named Muse. The device is a pocket-sized unit that can be carried or attached to a keychain. It includes a miniature display showing Jolly, a digital avatar representing the assistant. Users interact with Muse through voice commands to complete tasks. Although the device has not yet shipped, it represents Meta’s entry into the compact AI companion market.
Startups Focus on Recording and Companionship
Several startups are targeting specific niches within the AI wearable sector. Friend, a device priced at $129, functions as an emotional support companion. It hangs around the neck and uses Bluetooth to connect with a phone, listening to conversations and responding with proactive messages. The company recently released Friend 2.0, which includes a built-in speaker for voice interaction. The device has faced public criticism regarding privacy concerns, including vandalism of its advertising campaigns in New York City.
For professionals, devices like Limitless and Plaud focus on conversation recording. Limitless, formerly known as Rewind, is a $99 pendant that transcribes meetings and calls into searchable summaries. It offers 10 hours of AI features per month, with unlimited access available for $29 monthly. Plaud’s NotePin, priced at $159, is a voice recorder that saves recordings in real time to a phone. It includes 300 free transcription minutes monthly, with a Pro plan offering 1,200 minutes for $8.33 per month. Plaud is also preparing to launch the Plaud Note Pro, an ultra-thin device priced at $179.
Other devices offer unique form factors and features. Omi, priced at $89, can be worn as a necklace or attached to the side of the head with medical tape. It runs conversations through ChatGPT to provide personalized advice. Sandbar’s Stream ring, expected to launch this summer for $299, features a touch-sensitive surface to activate its microphone for note-taking and media control. Nirva, a device from former Meta Reality Labs employees, costs $249 and focuses on personal growth by turning speech into a personal journal to help users understand their communication habits.
The Rabbit R1, a handheld device priced at $199, continues to refine its software after initial launch challenges. It features a touchscreen and rotating camera, allowing users to perform tasks like booking flights without using a phone. Recent updates have added “Creations,” a feature that lets users build their own tools and games.
As these devices become more common, they offer varying approaches to integrating AI into daily life, from passive recording to active companionship.
Source: TechCrunch
