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Friend re-launches its AI pendant with a speaker that talks to you, for twice the price
The Verge • • technology
Key Points:
- Friend, the AI pendant company known for its extensive NYC subway advertising and a $1.8 million acquisition of friend.com, has relaunched its product with a significant price increase from $129 to $249.
- The updated Friend pendant now includes a speaker feature, allowing it to talk back to users, whereas previously it only communicated via messaging.
- Alongside the hardware update, Friend introduced a $10 monthly subscription that enables the device to remember conversations for more than 30 days.
- The relaunch occurs about nine months after a public protest in NYC highlighted concerns over society's growing dependence on technology, with Friend being a focal point due to its high-profile marketing.
- Founder Avi Schiffmann promoted the new version as “Friend 2.0” on social media, signaling a renewed push despite previous public backlash.
