Avi Schiffmann, CEO of Friend, showcased the second iteration of his controversial AI companion device during a visit to his San Francisco home. The Friend 2 necklace, which can now speak aloud, represents a significant update from its predecessor, which only responded via text. The new model features a bulkier design to accommodate a speaker and uses OpenAI’s latest models for improved AI capabilities. The device comes with a pre-set voice and personality, which users cannot change. Source: wired
The Friend 2 costs $249, up from the original’s $129, and includes an optional $10 monthly subscription for extended conversation memory. The device is available for purchase on Friend.com, a domain Schiffmann acquired for $1.8 million. The company also plans to release an accessories collection later this year. The new model aims to foster deeper user interaction through voice responses, though its effectiveness remains a point of debate. Source: wired
Schiffmann, who gained notoriety in 2020 for tracking pandemic data, has faced criticism for the Friend device, which some call dystopian. His marketing campaign, which included controversial ads in major cities, sparked public backlash and media attention. Despite the controversy, Schiffmann insists the product is a reflection of his own personality and a means to explore human interaction through technology. Source: wired
