‘Friend’ AI Device Pre-Orders in Canada Cost $140

A new AI product named “Friend” has been launched on International Friendship Day, designed to assist users in conversations by suggesting responses based on the user’s input.

The device, priced at $99 USD or $139.91 CAD (after conversion), does not require a subscription. But it does need your iPhone or iPad and an internet connection, as that’s where it will send you messages based on listening to you 24/7, powered by Anthropic AI’s Claude 3.5 large language model.

The Friend package includes a white Friend device, two gray lanyards, a white case, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide. Pre-orders will start shipping in Q1 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis, available only in the United States and Canada initially.

“friend is an expression of how lonely I’ve felt. I want to thank all the incredible artists and engineers who have helped me bring this work to life over the past year. You have truly given me a deeper appreciation for the art I see in everyday objects,” said Avi Schiffman, founder of friend.

Check out the launch video below (this can’t be real life):

Friend operates via Bluetooth and requires an internet connection and an iOS device, with future support for Android dependent on demand. The device is always listening when connected, forming internal thoughts and occasionally reaching out to the user.

Privacy is maintained through end-to-end encryption, with no audio or transcripts stored beyond the context window. Users can delete all memories with one click within the Friend app. If the device is lost or damaged, there is no recovery plan for the AI’s memories, says the company.

“We can’t wait to hear how friend fits into your life. Thanks for checking us out,” he said on Tuesday. The Friend founder paid $1.8 million USD for the friend.com domain. The device was designed by Bould, the company that designed Nest thermostats, he told Wired.

Originally, the product was called Tab and has backers that plunged $1.9 million USD into the idea.

Okay seriously this cannot be real, but it is. This product looks like it belongs on a Black Mirror episode. Let’s see if this thing survives or dies like previous AI gadgets, such as the Rabbit R1 and Humane’s disastrous AI pin.