TechCrunch lists new AI wearables like Bee, Friend, and Plaud

In short: More companies are selling small AI wearables and gadgets that you can wear or carry to record, summarize, and respond to your daily life.

What's going on

TechCrunch published a roundup of notable AI wearables and small gadgets, including necklaces, rings, wrist devices, and handheld products. Many of them work like an always-available assistant that listens, takes notes, and gives summaries later (like having a personal secretary in your pocket).

Several devices focus on recording conversations and turning them into searchable text. Bee is a pendant starting at $49.99 that can clip to clothing or be worn like a fitness band, and it includes a mute button for privacy. Amazon acquired Bee in 2025 and recently introduced Bee Frontier ($74.99) and Bee Eclipse ($99.99), and users can also connect Bee to Alexa.

Other products aim to be companions, not just note-takers. Friend is a $129 necklace-style device that listens through your phone connection and responds based on your tone and mood. Meta also introduced Muse Charm, a small keychain-style device that is expected to show a tiny character on a display and let people talk to its Muse assistant, but it has not shipped yet.

The list also includes higher-priced options. Plaud’s NotePin costs $159 and is designed for recording and summarizing meetings or lectures, with a monthly limit unless you pay for more minutes. Sandbar’s Stream ring is expected to launch at $299, with a microphone that is off by default and turns on when you press a touch panel.

What to watch

These devices raise practical questions about privacy and consent, since several are designed to listen for long periods. Watch for clearer controls, like physical mute buttons, and for rules about when it is acceptable to record other people.

Source: TechCrunch AI