General AI

Friend AI Pendant Relaunches with Speaker Feature

The Verge AIJuly 30, 2026high confidence

Why it matters

→The addition of a speaker transforms the AI pendant into a more interactive device.
→The price increase and subscription model indicate a shift towards a premium product strategy.
→The relaunch reflects ongoing debates about technology's role in personal relationships.

Friend AI Pendant Relaunches with Speaker Feature — ©The Verge AI

Friend has relaunched its AI pendant, now featuring a speaker that allows it to talk to users, doubling its price to $249. The update comes after previous criticism and protests against the product's concept of artificial companionship. The new version, dubbed 'Friend 2.0' by founder Avi Schiffmann, also introduces a $10 monthly subscription for extended conversation memory. Despite past backlash, Friend hopes these enhancements will appeal to users seeking more interactive AI experiences.

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