AI Necklace "Friend" Seeks to Alleviate Loneliness

Avi Schiffmann, a Harvard dropout renowned for his Webby Award-winning COVID-19 tracker, launches Friend, a $99 AI-powered necklace designed to provide companionship and alleviate loneliness.

• Innovative Funding: Schiffmann secured $2.5 million in funding from investors including Raymond Tonsing, Cory Levy, Aravind Srinivas, and Solana founders Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal. Notable backers also include Austin Rief and Logan Kilpatrick, valuing the project at $50 million.

• Product Launch: Friend will start preorders for its basic white model at $99, with shipments expected to begin in January 2025.

• How It Works: Friend is a slim, neck-worn device that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and listens to you continuously. It offers companionship through voice interactions and proactive messages, like wishing you luck before a big event.

• Purpose and Design: Schiffmann envisions Friend as an "emotional toy," a companion to share your day and feelings with, rather than a productivity tool or therapist. He believes the physical presence of the device enhances emotional connection compared to a standard app.

• Privacy Commitment: Friend operates with an “always listening” approach but does not store recordings. Users can delete messages anytime, ensuring privacy and control.

Friend aims to be more than just a tech gadget—it's designed to be a constant, comforting presence in your life.