Schiffmann, who gained recognition for creating a website to track Covid cases during the pandemic, wants the Friend to offer companionship rather than productivity. He envisions the device as a best friend that is always there to offer support and encouragement. However, the concept of an always-listening AI device has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for people to become overly reliant on AI for companionship. Schiffmann insists that the Friend will not store audio recordings or transcripts and that users can modify or delete the device's stored memories.
Key takeaways:
- Avi Schiffmann has developed an AI wearable device called the Friend, which is designed to offer companionship and engage in conversation with the user. It uses text messages and push notifications to communicate and is powered by Anthropic AI’s Claude 3.5 large language model.
- The Friend is available for preorder now from Friend.com and is expected to start shipping in January 2025. It costs $99 and there is no paid subscription attached.
- Schiffmann, who previously created a website for tracking Covid cases and another to help refugees from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, initially tried to create an AI for productivity but found it lacking. He then decided to focus on creating an AI companion.
- While Schiffmann insists the Friend is a fundamentally new form of digital companion, he acknowledges that it is also an amalgamation of many things. He is aware that some people might become too attached to it and that there will be criticism regarding privacy and the always-on microphone.