Two years ago, tech founder Avi Schiffmann launched Friend, an AI wearable that you could talk to and that would send you text messages about your day. The idea, ostensibly, was to use artificial intelligence to combat loneliness. This week, the company announced a new overhaul of the product, introducing a noticeable upgrade: a voice. What can you really do with your Friend other than chitchat about your day' That part is still unclear. In another recent post on X, Schiffmann expounded upon what he felt the whole point of his weird product actually is. 'I am interested in this kind of relationship in attempting to offer, some kind of confidant, friend, God, not really sure what it is,' Schiffmann said. 'But it is not an assistant, and it is not a lover.' Of course, Schiffmann's company has engaged in bold marketing before. Friend's billboard campaign in the New York City subway system last year went viral after they were continually defaced, presumably by people who didn't want...
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