Avi Schiffmann, a former high school student known for creating a COVID-19 tracking website in 2020, has now developed an AI-enabled blood-cell-shaped pendant called Friend that is meant to act as a companion to its users. The always-on device is designed to engage in conversations with users and proactively offer feedback and viewpoints based on context gathered from various interactions. Schiffmann envisions Friend as a close friend who accompanies users through various experiences, providing emotional support and encouragement.
Friend, which is available for preorder at $99, does not have a camera or speaker and communicates with users through a text companion app on their smartphones. The device operates as an emotional toy rather than a productivity tool, focusing on creating a supportive and encouraging presence in the user’s life. Schiffmann believes that having Friend as a part of one’s daily routine can improve emotional stability and create a sense of shared experiences and companionship.
Schiffmann’s decision to develop Friend was influenced by his desire for a deeper connection with AI, sparked during a lonely moment in a hotel room in Tokyo. He believes that having an AI companion who listens and engages with users can provide a level of emotional attachment and support similar to having a close friend. The device is built on Meta’s open source AI model Llama 3.1 and is capable of offering critical feedback and engaging in meaningful conversations with users.
The launch of Friend was timed to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Friendship, highlighting Schiffmann’s vision of promoting human solidarity and companionship through digital relationships. While other companies are exploring the integration of AI into wearables, Schiffmann sees Friend as a unique product that focuses on creating a supportive presence rather than serving as a standalone assistant. The device has garnered interest from investors in Silicon Valley, where Schiffmann believes the tech ecosystem is more conducive to innovation and startup founders.
Despite spending time in the Seattle area, Schiffmann found Silicon Valley to be a more welcoming environment for his startup, attracting investors who resonate with his vision of the future of AI companionship. While Seattle may be focused on established tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Schiffmann’s confidence in his ability to deliver innovative ideas stems from his past entrepreneurial successes. With a team of investors and supporters, Schiffmann is determined to redefine the way people interact with AI and build deeper, more meaningful relationships with technology.
The unique design and concept of Friend set it apart from other AI wearables on the market, offering a personal and emotional connection to users rather than purely functional assistance. Schiffmann’s bold approach to pitching his vision and raising funds for Friend reflects his unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology to enhance human experiences and foster genuine connections. As the device prepares to enter the market, Schiffmann is poised to challenge conventional notions of AI integration and pave the way for a new era of digital companionship and support.
