Virtual friend Friend is presented in the form of a pendant
Harvard graduate and developer Avi Schiffmann has announced a unique device called Friend. It combines the functions of a virtual friend and a stylish pendant.
Friend is designed to become a support for its owner with the help of artificial intelligence. The device can be worn around the neck or attached to clothing. It has a voice assistant named Emily inside that is designed to help the user cope with loneliness.
Connection to a smartphone is via Bluetooth, and the device listens to its owner at all times. The user can press a button to start a conversation with the AI, and responses come by text through a special mobile app. In addition, the assistant is able to send proactive messages, for example, wishing good luck before an important event.
At the moment, Friend is a prototype. However, the first 30,000 devices are scheduled to go on sale in January 2025 at a price of $99 dollars