AI and large language models (LLMs) have the potential to understand vast amounts of context, making it easier to process information. This has led to an influx of companies creating wearable hardware for everyday AI use.
One such company, Bee AI, has recently secured $7 million in funding led by Exor to develop its wearable AI assistant. This assistant listens to user input, takes notes, provides contextual reminders, and helps create lists. Bee AI also offers a companion Apple Watch app.
In addition to the new funding, Bee AI had previously raised $1.5 million as pre-seed funding. Investors in the latest round include Greycroft, New Wave VC, Banana Capital, and Brian Bedol.
CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo mentioned that while Bee AI focuses on software, they developed a wearable device to avoid constant use of the phone’s microphone by the app.
The company’s ambition is to provide each consumer with a “cloud phone” mirroring their device with access to accounts and notifications. Some features in early testing include reading notifications, reminders, email and tweet writing, and personalized shopping suggestions.
Although the device currently has a mute button for privacy, Bee AI is exploring ways to enhance user interaction with commands.
The opportunity and roadmap
Generative AI is still relatively new, raising questions about its reliability in producing accurate information. Bee AI enters a space where there is skepticism. Other startups like Rabbit have attempted similar AI agents with varying success.
Despite the challenges, startups like Bee AI, Limitless, and Friend are working towards creating wearable solutions, each with unique use-cases. Bee AI opts for a conservative approach by focusing on a few key tasks.
Co-founders Maria de Lourdes Zollo and Ethan Sutin bring experience from companies like Twitter and Squad to Bee AI. Investors like Ian Sigalow of Greycroft see the team’s potential in delivering innovative products.
Privacy concerns are addressed by Bee AI in the beta stage, with plans to stop recording non-users who haven’t given consent. The platform uses transcripts instead of audio recordings to enhance user experience.
Bee AI plans to offer its device for $49 with a $19 monthly subscription, targeting pre-Black Friday sales.
