A viral ad for an AI necklace ‘Friend’ is taking over the internet and it looks like it’s straight out of an episode of Black Mirror.
AI Necklace Ad
August 1, 2024– According to this TikTok video posted by user @brandnat, a Friend AI pendant necklace has sparked alleged controversy online after an ad went viral showcasing the product.
@brandnat $1.8mil on a domain???? I’m not sure the priorities are in the right order here ???? #ai #friendai #aitools #blackmirror #artificialintelligence #nataliechoprasert #futureailab #brandnat #aiwearables
AI Pendant
As the TikToker notes, apparently, $1.8 million was spent on one domain name, friend.com. In a viral trailer for the device, it shows people communicating with the pendant and the pendant communicating right back- seemingly via text message. It looks as if it listens to what the wearer and others are stating and sends the wearer a message in response.
What is AI Friend Necklace?
This is seemingly an AI -wearable chatbot that will cost roughly $99 USD and looks to be the size of an Apple Air Tag when worn. Avi Schiffmann is the founder of Friend, which is your not-so-imaginary friend, as some people are calling it.
As outlined on the website, here is how the product works (via friend.com):
There is also reportedly no subscription service for the device.
AI Friend Necklace
As outlined in this related article, the teaser for the device has already garnered over 15 million views to date and has received controversial relations from people online who think that it will try to replace real, physical relationships.
People in the above TikTok video’s comment sections also have differing views on the new tech:
The concept of Friend sparks a widespread concern about the power of AI and how it will impact daily life in terms of replacing physical relationships.
What do you think about the trailer and subsequent product, Friend?
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: @brandnat TikTok, friend.com, Friend YouTube Channel