The New York City subway has a long history of distinctive advertisements, which locals often reflect upon nostalgically. Recently, a new advertising campaign for a product called “Friend,” an AI wearable, has surfaced, eliciting various reactions, particularly criticism. Some subway ads for this product have been vandalized with messages opposing AI, including phrases like “Fuck AI” and “Get real friends.”
The Friend device, priced at $129, is marketed as an AI companion that interacts throughout the day. It features a microphone to listen to conversations but does not respond verbally; instead, it communicates through text notifications via the associated Friend app. The interactions are brief, limited to two or three sentences, which may leave users wanting more in-depth engagement.
A user, who has tested the device, reported numerous difficulties, including discomfort while wearing it due to its design, which resembles a glowing AirTag. The device struggles to accurately recognize its name and has difficulty processing conversations in noisy environments, rendering it largely ineffective. In various attempts at interaction, the AI often displayed confusion or provided unhelpful responses.
This user’s experience leads to a broader contemplation of the role of AI in personal connections. While some may find value in AI companionship, particularly during times of loneliness, the interactions with the Friend device seem to lack the richness that human relationships provide. The user reflected on meaningful friendships that involve emotional support and vulnerability, contrasting this with the superficial nature of exchanges with the app.
The review highlights a critical question: Is there a fundamental limitation to AI companionship that leaves it unable to fulfill the emotional depth achieved through traditional human relationships?
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/791010/optimizer-friend-ai-companion-wearables