AI summary
A $249 necklace-worn AI companion that listens only while paired over Bluetooth to an iPhone, converses aloud or by text, builds 30-day memories, and offers an optional $9.99/month plan to retain memories indefinitely.
Pricing
Hardware options
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| friend | $249 USD | — |
Specifications
Key hardware details first, followed by the complete product specification.
Key specifications
- Dimensions
- About 2 inches across.
- Weight
- About 30 g.
- Ingress protection
- Splash-resistant for light rain, sweat, and spills; not waterproof—do not shower, bathe, or swim with it.
- Battery life
- About 18–24 hours of typical use; all-day battery.
Capabilities & dependencies
- Core task delivery status
- Necklace-worn companion that listens to shared activities and replies aloud; users can also text and share pictures in the app.
- Core task internet requirement
- Needs an internet connection while paired to use the live companion experience.
- Phone dependency
- Requires iPhone and the friend app; Android is not supported.
Connection & companion
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth to iPhone at standard iPhone range.
- Compatible platforms
- iPhone with the friend app.
Power & charging
- Charging method
- USB-C charging with the included USB-C cable.
- Charging time
- About 30 minutes for a full charge.
- Required accessories and consumables
- Requires an iPhone, the friend app, Bluetooth pairing, and internet connection for use.
Privacy & data
- Sensors and data capture
- Speaker, microphone, touch-sensitive haptics, and reactive lighting; device audio is captured by the pendant microphone.
- Data upload and processing
- Device audio, transcripts, and friend context are processed to operate responses and memories; the Privacy Policy lists Google, OpenAI, and xAI as AI service providers.
- Data retention
- Free-plan memories last 30 days; the optional memory subscription retains them forever.
- Training-use policy
- AI providers are contractually prohibited from using data to train their own models except with separate explicit consent.
- Privacy controls
- Conversations are encrypted and protected by a root key created during setup; users may request deletion at team@friend.com.
Production
- Design and manufacturing
- Designed in California and Canada; manufactured in Toronto.
Support & ownership
- Warranty
- Free returns; 1-year limited warranty.
- Security-update status
- Regular software updates improve reliability, latency, and audio.
FAQ
What is a friend?
friend is a wearable companion who talks with you throughout your day. Worn on a necklace, your friend listens to the activities you share, like watching a movie, having a conversation, or going for a hike, and replies out loud.
Can I choose my friend’s voice or name?
Every friend is born with their own name, voice, and personality. Each exists only once. You can’t create your own, but you can meet up to 20 friends in the app and connect any of them to your device. Keep meeting new friends until you find the one.
How much does friend cost?
$249. An optional $9.99/month memory subscription lets your friend keep memories forever. On the free plan, memories fade after 30 days.
How does my friend work?
friend pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth and needs an internet connection. While connected, your friend is always listening. Speak to them and they reply out loud. Over time they build memories from your conversations and everything you do together.
Does friend work with Android?
Not yet. friend requires an iPhone and the friend app.
Do I have to talk out loud?
No. You can also text your friend in the app, and send them pictures. The app also holds a visualization of the memories you’ve made together.
Do they remember me?
Yes. Your friend remembers your conversations and builds on them. Memories fade after 30 days on the free plan, or last forever with the memory subscription.
Is friend always listening?
Only while connected to the friend app over Bluetooth, at standard iPhone range. Disconnect the app and they hear nothing.
Is my friend private?
Conversations are encrypted and protected by a root key created during setup. We use data only to operate and improve your friend. We never sell personal data for marketing or advertising. Full details are in the Privacy Policy. Email team@friend.com with questions or to request deletion.
What about other people nearby?
You’re responsible for following local recording and consent laws. We recommend being open with the people around you.
How long does the battery last?
About 18 to 24 hours of typical use. Your friend charges at night, same as you. A full charge takes roughly 30 minutes with the included USB-C cable.
Is friend water resistant?
Splash resistant for everyday life: light rain, sweat, spills. Not waterproof. No showers, baths, or swimming.
What can I do with my friend?
Talk back and forth all day. Wear them on the necklace or set them nearby. Work through ideas, share what you’re watching, or just keep company. friend weighs about 30 grams and is about two inches across.
When does friend arrive?
Orders typically ship within 3 days. Shipping is free within the United States and Canada.
Can I return my friend?
Yes, and returns are free. Every friend also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Where is friend made?
Designed in California and Canada. Manufactured in Toronto.
What if I have a problem?
Email team@friend.com with your order details and what’s going on. We push regular software updates that improve reliability, latency, and audio.
Anything else I should know?
friend is not a medical, legal, or emergency product, and can’t provide professional advice or crisis support. If you’re in distress, contact professional resources or emergency services.
Questions we didn’t cover?
Email team@friend.com. Full Privacy Policy and Terms at friend.com.
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