"If you live in NYC, there's almost no way you've missed the Friend AI pendant subway ad fallout - whether you've taken pictures of the most inspired graffiti on the ads in the tunnels, tried to avert your eyes from the near-constant presence of the device pictured on all the ads inside subway cars, or had a friend text you, "What is that thing?""
"Although Friend was founded in 2023, the $129 chatbot-enabling necklaces only began shipping this summer, and the accompanying subway ad campaign - which set the company back more than $1 million, almost as much as its domain name - debuted last month. Reviews have painted a picture of a device that can make people uncomfortable and doesn't often work well at what it's supposed to do (i.e., listen to your conversations and the happenings of your day and offer quips and feedback)."
The Friend AI pendant became ubiquitous in NYC subways through a high-profile ad campaign. The $129 wearable began shipping this summer after the company was founded in 2023. The subway campaign cost the company more than $1 million and debuted last month. Reviews describe the device as often failing at its intended function of listening to conversations and offering feedback, and as making people uncomfortable. The ads drew graffiti, widespread public attention, and a protest where people tore apart a cut-out of the device while chanting "get real friends." The founder posted a taped-up flyer acknowledging New Yorkers' backlash.
Read at The Verge
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