Every day, millions of people around the world are using AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok for advice, solace, and communication. Until now, people have used these AI tools through smartphones or other screen devices, but now technology has taken a step further. A California startup has launched the Friend 2.0 AI smart AI pendant, which, when worn around your neck, starts talking to you like a real friend. Let’s find out how this device, which claims to alleviate loneliness, works, what are its features, and why it has sparked debate online.
Loneliness is becoming a major challenge in the digital age, and now technology claims to have found a unique solution. The Friend 2.0 AI pendant has been launched. Let’s find out its features and how it works.
This California-based startup first launched its first AI pendant, called Friend, in 2024. Now, the company has launched its updated model, Friend 2.0. This new pendant is priced at $249 (approximately Rs. 23,752), and can be purchased from the company’s official website.
The previous AI pendant simply listened to your text messages and responded. However, Friend 2.0 features a built-in speaker, meaning it can now speak directly to you.
This device is completely different from current voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. Each pendant will have its own unique name, voice, and personality. Users will not be able to change these at will.
It also features a microphone, touch-sensitive haptics, reactive lighting, Type-C charging, and all-day battery life. Currently, an iPhone will be required to use it.
By default, this AI pendant remembers conversations for 30 days. However, with a subscription, it can remember your conversations forever. The subscription plan costs ₹952.95.
While the company claims that this device will alleviate loneliness, it has received mixed reactions on social media. Many users have described it as dystopian, meaning a fictional, terrifying world, and compared it to the popular web series Black Mirror.