Amazon to Acquire AI Wearables Startup Bee
Amazon has reached a deal to acquire Bee, a San Francisco-based startup that makes AI wearables. The company produces a $50 bracelet that records conversations and uses artificial intelligence to transcribe and summarize them.
Bee's wristband can generate summaries, create to-do lists, and perform other tasks using the captured audio. The AI wearable can also be muted by users when desired.
Amazon confirmed the acquisition on Tuesday after Bee CEO and co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo shared the news in a LinkedIn post. However, the company did not disclose the deal's financial terms and said it has not yet closed.
A spokesperson for Amazon stated the company will work with Bee to give users more control over the devices. Zollo wrote that the company envisioned 'a world where AI is truly personal,' powered by technology that adapts to users' lives. Bee was founded in 2022 and is known for its AI-powered wristband.
Amazon previously launched its own wearable, Halo, which was discontinued in 2023.
This acquisition adds to Amazon's ongoing efforts in the AI wearables space. The company already offers Echo smart glasses embedded with Alexa.
According to Zollo's post, Bee will join the devices group led by Amazon executive Panos Panay once the deal is finalized.
The move follows broader trends in the AI wearables market. OpenAI recently acquired io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion deal. Other startups have also entered the AI wearable segment, though results have varied.
Much of Amazon's AI development continues within its Amazon Web Services division.
Source: Reuters
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