Amazon has acquired the AI wearables startup Bee, as confirmed by a LinkedIn post from co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo. The deal has not yet closed, but Bee, known for its Fitbit-like bracelet and Apple Watch app, is making waves in the tech world.
Creating an “ambient intelligence” experience, Bee aims to be more than just a tool but a trusted companion. With a focus on creating reminders and to-do lists based on conversations, Bee’s devices are priced at a reasonable $50, making them accessible to curious consumers.
Amazon’s interest in wearable AI devices marks a shift from its home assistant products, like the Echo speakers. Alongside companies like OpenAI and Meta, the race for AI-powered wearables is on. However, concerns about security and privacy persist, as these devices record everything around them.
Bee’s current privacy policies assure users that their data can be deleted at any time and that audio recordings are not saved or used for AI training. With plans to implement features for user consent and boundaries, Bee is focused on on-device AI processing to minimize privacy risks.
As Bee becomes part of Amazon, questions arise about potential changes in privacy policies and data handling. Amazon’s history with user data, particularly with Ring security cameras, raises concerns about privacy protection moving forward.
