Amazon launches two new portable AI listening devices

Amazon introduced two new portable AI listening devices on Thursday, aimed at providing users with calendar reminders and AI-driven insights throughout the day under the newly acquired Bee brand. The two devices are Frontier, a bracelet priced at $75, and Eclipse, a portable magnetic charger-like brick priced at $100. These devices, according to Amazon devices chief Panos Panay, "listen to your whole day," reminding users of conversations, to-dos, and action items committed to others.

Panay explained that these devices are always on when turned on, eliminating the need for users to make reminders for themselves and allowing them to stay more present throughout the day. The devices give users control over their privacy, enabling them to turn the devices on and off as they wish and delete insights or past conversations as needed.

Amazon does not store audio recordings. The company faced criticism in 2019 for reports alleging that thousands of people were being listened to while conversing with its Alexa voice assistant service, and it is currently facing a class action lawsuit over this practice.