Story perspectives

AI Device 'Friend' Shifts to Chatbot, Gains 200K Users

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The AI device "Friend" pivoted from a $129 wearable pendant to a web-based chatbot after unpopularity due to price and privacy concerns.
The change aims to attract users more easily.
CEO Avi Schiffmann says the pivot has attracted 200,000 users, though the figure is unsubstantiated.
The company spent about $1 million on subway ads that were vandalized.
Schiffmann embraces the backlash, arguing that negative attention signals relevance, disliking engaging with New Yorkers.

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Story summary

The AI device "Friend" pivoted from a $129 wearable pendant to a web-based chatbot after unpopularity due to price and privacy concerns.
The change aims to attract users more easily.
CEO Avi Schiffmann says the pivot has attracted 200,000 users, though the figure is unsubstantiated.
The company spent about $1 million on subway ads that were vandalized.
Schiffmann embraces the backlash, arguing that negative attention signals relevance, disliking engaging with New Yorkers.