Amazon has acquired Bee, a startup known for its AI-powered wearable that records voice interactions to assist users with reminders and tasks. The deal was revealed by Bee co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo in a LinkedIn post. Amazon later confirmed the acquisition to TechCrunch, although the deal hasn’t officially closed.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon acquires Bee, maker of a $49.99 AI bracelet and Apple Watch app.
- Bee’s wearable listens to conversations to create smart reminders and to-do lists.
- Acquisition not yet finalized, but Bee employees were offered jobs at Amazon.
- This move signals Amazon’s deeper interest in AI wearables beyond Echo devices.
- Privacy concerns remain, especially around always-on recording.
What Is Bee and What Does It Do?
Bee builds affordable AI wearables designed to help users remember and manage daily tasks. The startup offers:
- A $49.99 wearable bracelet, plus a $19/month subscription.
- An Apple Watch app with similar voice recording features.
These devices listen to conversations (unless muted) and use AI to:
- Generate reminders.
- Create to-do lists.
- Suggest follow-ups and relevant actions.
Bee’s ultimate goal is to build a “cloud phone” — a voice-driven assistant that mirrors your phone and can access notifications and accounts for full functionality.
Amazon’s Move into AI Wearables
Amazon’s acquisition of Bee signals a strategic push into wearable AI tech, beyond the home-based Alexa and Echo ecosystem.
Other tech giants are exploring similar paths:
- Meta is adding AI to smart glasses.
- OpenAI is reportedly developing its own AI hardware.
- Apple is rumored to be working on AI-powered glasses.
- Rabbit and Humane AI have also released AI wearables, but struggled to gain traction.
Compared to rivals, Bee’s lower price point may appeal to early adopters:
| Device | Price | Subscription | Form Factor |
| Bee Bracelet | $49.99 | $19/month | Wrist wearable |
| Humane AI Pin | $499 | Required | Lapel pin |
| Meta Smart Glasses | ~$300 | Optional | Glasses |
Bee’s Vision: AI as a Trusted Companion
Bee markets its device as more than a gadget. The company envisions:
“A personal, ambient intelligence that feels less like a tool and more like a trusted companion.”
This means the AI doesn’t just react — it learns from your voice patterns and environment to help you reflect, remember, and act more effectively throughout your day.
Privacy Concerns Remain Front and Center
Privacy is a major consideration with always-on wearables, and Bee has been cautious:
- Audio recordings are not saved or used for AI training.
- Users can delete data at any time.
- The AI remembers learned insights, but not raw recordings.
- Bee claims to record only people who have verbally consented.
They’re also developing features to let users:
- Set boundaries by topic or location.
- Pause the device’s learning in sensitive settings.
- Transition toward on-device AI processing, which reduces cloud privacy risks.
However, now that Bee is joining Amazon, some worry policies may change. Amazon has faced criticism before:
- It once shared Ring camera footage with law enforcement without consent or a warrant.
- It settled FTC claims in 2023 over Ring employees accessing customer videos.
What’s Next for Bee and Amazon?
The deal hasn’t officially closed, but Bee’s team is expected to join Amazon. While Amazon hasn’t revealed how it will use Bee’s tech, the acquisition hints at:
- New Alexa-integrated wearables.
- Expansion into personal AI assistants for on-the-go use.
- Competition with smart glasses and pins from Meta, OpenAI, and Humane.
Summary: Why This Matters
Amazon’s acquisition of Bee is more than a business move. It’s a signal that AI-powered wearables are gaining traction, and Amazon doesn’t want to be left behind.
Here’s why this deal stands out:
- Low-cost, AI-first wearable — accessible to a wider audience than competitors.
- Opens the door for smarter, mobile Alexa experiences.
- Raises important privacy questions as voice recording tech becomes more mainstream.
- Fits a growing trend of personal AI companions helping users manage their lives in real time.
Final Thoughts
As AI continues to evolve, so does the way we interact with it. Bee’s vision of a smart assistant that listens, learns, and helps — all from your wrist — is now part of Amazon’s ecosystem.
Whether this leads to a new line of AI wearables or smarter Echo products remains to be seen. One thing is clear: AI isn’t just in your speakers anymore — it’s coming with you.
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