Amazon has agreed to acquire Bee, a San Francisco-based startup that developed an AI-powered wearable device resembling a $50 wristband. This device continuously listens to the wearer’s conversations and surroundings, transcribing audio to provide personalized summaries, to-do lists, reminders, and suggestions through an associated app. Bee’s technology can integrate user data such as contacts, email, calendar, photos, and location to build a searchable log of daily interactions, enhancing its AI-driven insights. The acquisition, announced in July 2025 but not yet finalized, will see Bee’s team join Amazon to integrate this wearable AI technology with Amazon’s broader AI efforts, including personal assistant functionalities.
The AI wristband uses built-in microphones and AI models to automatically transcribe conversations unless manually muted. While the device’s accuracy can sometimes be affected by ambient sounds or media, Amazon emphasized its commitment to user privacy and control, intending to apply its established privacy standards to Bee’s technology. Bee claims it does not store raw audio recordings and uses high security standards, with ongoing tests of on-device AI models to enhance privacy.
This acquisition complements Amazon’s previous ventures into wearable tech, such as the discontinued Halo health band and its Echo smart glasses with Alexa integration. Bee represents a cost-accessible entry into AI wearables with continuous ambient intelligence, enabling Amazon to expand in this competitive market segment, which includes other companies like OpenAI and Meta developing AI assistants and wearables.
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Bee was founded in 2022, raised $7 million in funding, and is led by CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo. Bee’s vision is to create personal AI that evolves with users to enrich their lives. Amazon plans to work with Bee’s team for future innovation in AI wearables post-acquisition.
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