Amazon is diving deeper into AI wearables with its acquisition of Bee, a startup known for its voice-recording bracelet and Apple Watch app. The deal, which hasn’t officially closed yet, was first revealed via a LinkedIn post by Bee co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo and confirmed by Amazon to TechCrunch. Bee’s core product listens to users’ conversations to generate reminders and to-do lists, aiming to become a kind of “trusted companion.” Amazon’s move signals a clear expansion into on-the-go AI, stepping beyond its traditional Echo devices.

Key Points:

• Acquisition Confirmed: Amazon has acquired Bee, but the deal is still pending closure.
• Bee’s Product: A $49.99 bracelet with a $19/month subscription that listens to users (unless muted) to create contextual reminders and lists.
• AI Vision: Bee aims to develop a “cloud phone” — a wearable extension of your smartphone that mirrors notifications and supports messaging.
• Privacy & Consent: Bee claims not to store or use voice recordings for AI training and allows users to delete their data or set boundaries.
• Cost Accessibility: At $50, Bee’s wearable is much cheaper than competitors like the $499 Humane AI Pin.
• Amazon’s Expansion: This signals Amazon’s interest in AI wearables, diverging from its home-bound Alexa devices.
• Privacy Concerns: It’s unclear if Bee’s privacy policies will remain under Amazon, which has previously faced criticism over Ring camera data sharing.

Key Quotes:

“We believe everyone should have access to a personal, ambient intelligence that feels less like a tool and more like a trusted companion.” – Bee, company website

“[Bee] hopes to create a ‘cloud phone,’ or a mirror of your phone that gives the personal Bee device access to the user’s accounts and notifications.” – Maria de Lourdes Zollo via TechCrunch

“Bee employees received offers to join Amazon.” – Amazon spokesperson to TechCrunch

Implications:

Amazon’s acquisition of Bee could reshape the future of wearable AI by making it more accessible and integrated into daily life — but it also raises significant privacy questions. As the tech giant moves into personal, always-listening devices, consumers and regulators alike will be watching how data is handled, especially given Amazon’s history with Ring. This move also places Amazon in more direct competition with OpenAI, Meta, and Apple, who are all investing in wearable AI interfaces.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/22/amazon-acquires-bee-the-ai-wearable-that-records-everything-you-say/

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