AI Wearables and Gadgets Redefining Everyday Tech
3–4 minutes
Bee
Amazon’s Bee line began as a $49.99 pendant that clips to clothing or is worn like a fitness band, and now includes two newer models. The original device captures ambient audio, learns daily patterns, and generates reminders and notes, while offering a mute button for privacy. A companion iOS app, available for a $19 monthly fee, lets users query the device, view daily summaries, and access chronological transcripts. In July 2025 Amazon acquired the startup and this month introduced the Bee Frontier ($74.99) for wrist or clip wear and the Bee Eclipse ($99.99), a credit‑card‑sized unit that magnetically attaches to a smartphone. Both retain core functionality and can be linked to Alexa, positioning the range as a lower‑cost alternative to devices such as Plaud’s Note and NotePin.
Friend
The Friend pendant, priced at $129, is marketed as an emotional‑support companion that detects tone and mood via Bluetooth and is designed to converse like a friend, offering proactive encouragements such as good‑luck wishes before interviews. The product has drawn criticism, notably after a New York subway advertising campaign was vandalized with slogans condemning “surveillance capitalism.” In response, the company released Friend 2.0, adding a built‑in speaker that enables voice interaction and a more distinct personality.
Limitless
Formerly known as Rewind, Limitless sells a $99 conversation‑recording pendant that continuously listens and transcribes meetings, calls and other dialogues (with consent) into searchable, summarized knowledge. Targeted at professionals such as journalists, the device pairs with an app that provides ten hours of AI features each month, with unlimited access available for $29 per month.
Muse Charm
Meta entered the wearable arena in September with Muse Charm, its first AI‑focused device. The pocket‑sized unit, not yet shipped, will display Jolly, a playful digital avatar representing Meta’s personal AI assistant. Users will interact via voice commands, asking Muse to perform tasks, while a miniature screen shows the avatar’s responses.
Nirva
Nirva, a startup founded by former Meta Reality Labs engineers, offers a $249 pendant or bracelet that listens to the wearer’s speech and uses AI to convert everyday experiences into a personal journal. The companion app analyzes communication patterns, emotional trends and habits, offering insights and suggestions for self‑improvement. Orders open in November, with deliveries slated for the end of the year.
Omi
Omi is an $89 wearable that functions as a question‑answering assistant, conversation summarizer, to‑do list creator and meeting scheduler. It streams conversations through ChatGPT in real time, allowing it to retain context and deliver personalized advice. The device can be worn as a necklace or affixed to the side of the head with medical tape, and it detects when the user is speaking to it.
Plaud’s NotePin
Plaud’s NotePin, costing $159, is a compact voice recorder that can be worn on the wrist or magnetically attached to clothing. It provides real‑time transcription and summarization, saving recordings directly to a smartphone. The device includes 300 free monthly transcription minutes, with a $8.33 per month Pro plan extending that to 1,200 minutes. Plaud is also preparing to launch the $179 ultra‑thin Note Pro, now available for preorder.
Rabbit R1
The Rabbit R1, a $199 retro‑styled handheld with a touchscreen and rotating camera, is designed to operate alongside a smartphone for tasks such as booking flights, ordering meals and controlling apps. After a critical software update resolved early performance issues, the device gained expanded AI capabilities, including a “Creations” feature that lets users build custom tools and games.
Sandbar
Sandbar, which emerged from stealth last year, is preparing the Stream ring, a $299 AI wearable for note‑taking. The ring’s microphone is off by default and can be activated by pressing a touch‑sensitive panel on its top surface. Holding the panel captures notes, triggers the AI assistant via a companion app, and controls media playback. The device will launch this summer in silver and gold finishes.
