Amazon has acquired Bee, an AI wearables startup known for its Fitbit-like bracelet and Apple Watch app that record conversations to create reminders and to-do lists. The acquisition signals Amazon's interest in expanding into wearable AI devices, a departure from its voice-controlled home assistants like Echo speakers.
Bee's device, priced at $49.99 with a $19-per-month subscription, aims to provide personal, ambient intelligence. While other companies have struggled in this space, Bee's affordable price point makes it accessible to consumers.
The acquisition raises privacy concerns, as these devices record everything around them. Bee's current policies state that users can delete their data, and audio recordings are not saved or used for AI training. However, it's unclear if these policies will change under Amazon's ownership, given Amazon's past handling of user data from Ring security cameras.