Avi Schiffmann, the former Mercer Island High School student who rose to fame in 2020 for creating a COVID-19 tracking website, has now wowed the world once again with a groundbreaking AI product.
Schiffmann's latest creation is named "Friend," an AI-driven pendant that resembles a blood cell. Don't underestimate this small accessory; it could revolutionize the way we interact with artificial intelligence. This $99 device is now available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping in January next year.
"Friend" is designed with a unique concept. It's not just a cold intelligent device but is given the role of a "friend." This AI companion, always in listening mode, can share the little moments of daily life with the wearer and may even develop a deep emotional connection over time. From casual chats to deep conversations, "Friend" can handle it all.
So, how does this small pendant work? There is a touchable light in the center of the device, and users can talk to the AI directly by touching it. The AI's responses are sent as text messages through a companion app on the phone. More amazingly, because "Friend" is always listening, it can collect contextual information about the user's life from various scenarios and conversations and actively provide insights from the AI's perspective.
Schiffmann describes "Friend" as an "emotional toy" rather than just an AI assistant to boost productivity. He believes that if the goal is to increase productivity, nothing is more effective than a supportive, encouraging, and emotionally stable friend. This design inspiration partly comes from the 2003 film "Lost in Translation," but Schiffmann's vision is even grander—he wants to create a deeper companion relationship, a truly AI friend that walks alongside the user.
It's worth noting that "Friend" is not just a compliant smart necklace. It is built on Meta's latest open-source AI model Llama3.1, which Schiffmann claims is "better than any ChatGPT-type product." "Friend" can provide critical feedback, and its design is meant to complement human friends, not replace them.
Schiffmann's entrepreneurial journey is filled with legends. At just 21 years old, he has successfully raised $2.5 million for this "absurd, unverified AI hardware startup" thanks to his past successful projects, such as the COVID-19 tracking website and projects helping Ukrainian refugees. His investor lineup is also quite impressive, including Raymond Tonsing from Caffeinated Capital, Cory Levy from Z Fellows, Austin Rief from Morning Brew, and Raj Gokal and Anatoly Yakovenko from Solana.
Schiffmann's ambitions don't stop there. He named his company Friend.com and borrowed $1.8 million to acquire the domain name. In his view, this investment is absolutely worthwhile because his goal is to build a "digital relationship company," not just a hardware startup.
Although the concept of "Friend" may sound avant-garde, Schiffmann is convinced that in this era of information explosion, people need a listening, supportive, and encouraging companion more than ever. He quotes the famous motivational speaker Jim Rohn: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," and believes that if one of these five is a supportive, intelligent AI sounding board, it would be particularly beneficial.
Of course, "Friend" is not the only wearable device trying to integrate AI into daily life. We have seen smart rings, wristbands, and glasses. But Schiffmann insists that "Friend" is a completely different product, with its uniqueness lying more in emotional connection rather than functionality.
Schiffmann's entrepreneurial story also reflects the unique charm of Silicon Valley's startup ecosystem. He says that in San Francisco, he was able to raise all the funds just by "vibe," without detailed business plans and pitch documents. This "selling the future" approach, in his view, is what sets Silicon Valley apart from other places.
The birth of "Friend" not only showcases the unlimited creativity and courage of the younger generation of entrepreneurs but also paints a picture of a future where AI is deeply integrated into daily life. In this vision, technology is no longer cold but full of warmth; AI is no longer distant but an intimate companion that shadows us.