Amazon launches new wearable listening devices

Amazon has expanded into the AI wearables space with the launch of two new devices designed to help users remember conversations, manage tasks and receive personalised recommendations.

On Thursday, the company unveiled Bee Frontier, a wearable AI device, alongside Bee Eclipse, a magnetic accessory that attaches to the back of a smartphone. Both products are designed to capture conversations, generate summaries, create reminders and suggest follow-up actions using AI.

The launch also introduces new integrations with Alexa+ and Amazon.com, allowing users to access conversation summaries, reminders and to-do lists through Alexa voice commands, while also receiving personalised shopping recommendations based on items mentioned during conversations for a monthly fee.

Amazon claimed that privacy is a key feature of the new devices. Audio is processed in real time before being deleted, while transcripts are encrypted and remain accessible only to the user unless they choose to share them. Users can also switch recording on and off using a dedicated button, with an LED indicator showing when audio processing is active.

Both devices can connect with third-party applications including Gmail, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Apple HealthKit and photo libraries, enabling users to generate follow-up emails, create calendar invitations and combine conversation history with other personal information.

Amazon said Bee users can also review recent conversations through new mobile and desktop applications, with AI identifying recurring themes and recommending personalised goals and actions.

Amazon acquired San-Francisco-based Bee in July last year. The startup, incorporated as Bluush Inc., was founded in 2022 and raised approximately $8.5 million from investors according to PitchBook data.

At the time, Amazon spokesperson Alexandra Miller confirmed all Bee employees have received offers to join Amazon as part of the deal, though she declined to reveal the acquisition price.

Bee Frontier is available immediately in three colours and can be worn as a wristband or clipped to clothing. The device offers up to seven days of battery life, IP67 water resistance and dual microphones designed to filter out background noise in busy environments, according to Amazon.

Bee Eclipse, meanwhile, is a slim magnetic device that attaches to a smartphone and offers a claimed more than 21 days of battery life. It is designed for users who prefer not to wear a dedicated AI device while still providing access to the same conversation summarisation and reminder capabilities, Amazon said.