AI Wearables: Prices, Features, and Launches from Bee to Rabbit

Key Takeaways

1Sandbar plans to launch the Stream ring this summer at $299, and Plaud is opening preorders for the Note Pro at $179.

2Amazon is relaunching Bee with new formats at $74.99 and $99.99, in addition to the $49.99 model and a $19 subscription.

3Rabbit R1 has received an update that improves its performance and adds the Creations feature.

Why it matters : The range of AI wearables is rapidly expanding, with varied prices, uses, and timelines, including available products, preorders, and upcoming launches.

The range of wearable AI devices is expanding, featuring note-taking, voice assistants, and emotional companions. From Amazon to Meta, along with various startups, the announcements include available products, preorders, and launches expected this summer, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $299.

Coming Soon: $299 Ring and Note Pro Available for Preorder

Several launches are anticipated. Sandbar plans to release the Stream ring this summer for $299, available in silver and gold finishes. Plaud is preparing an ultra-thin note-taking device, the Plaud Note Pro, priced at $179, which is already available for preorder and set to launch this year. At Meta, the first AI wearable introduced in September has yet to ship; it is expected to incorporate Jolly, an avatar representing the Muse assistant, in a small pocket device with a mini-screen, featuring planned voice interactions. Nirva, founded by former Meta Reality Labs employees, aims to open orders in November, targeting shipments to early users by the end of the year, with a price of $249.

Transcription and Meeting Tools: From Pendant to Ring

On the productivity front, Limitless, formerly Rewind, offers a $99 pendant that continuously listens and transforms meetings, calls, and consented conversations into searchable, summarized knowledge, including 10 hours of AI functions per month, with an unlimited option at $29 per month. Plaud targets lawyers, journalists, and students with the NotePin at $159, a portable recorder that can be worn on the wrist or clipped on, which saves in real-time and includes 300 minutes of transcription per month, extendable to 1,200 minutes with a Pro plan at $8.33 monthly. Sandbar's Stream ring, introduced last year, focuses on a tactile activation of a microphone that is muted by default to record notes, converse with an assistant via the companion app, and control multimedia playback.

Emotional Companions: From Vocal Support to Controversies

In the realm of emotional support, Friend takes the form of a white pendant priced at $129 that captures tone and mood to engage in conversation like a friend. Connected via Bluetooth and listening continuously, it can send proactive messages, such as wishing good luck before an interview. The product faced criticism after a subway advertising campaign in New York, where ads were vandalized with the message "surveillance capitalism." An upgrade named Friend 2.0 adds a voice function via a built-in speaker, giving the device a more distinct personality.

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Versatile Personal Assistants: Rabbit R1 and Omi

Rabbit R1, a $199 device with a touchscreen and a rotating camera, positions itself as a complement to the phone for booking flights, ordering meals, or controlling apps. After a launch marked by difficulties, a software update has fixed performance issues and expanded AI capabilities, including the Creations feature to create custom tools and games. Meanwhile, Omi, priced at $89, answers questions, summarizes conversations, generates task lists, and helps plan meetings. It listens continuously, relays exchanges to ChatGPT to maintain context and provide personalized advice, can be worn as a necklace or attached to the side of the head with medical tape, and detects when addressed.

Personal Journal and Self-Analysis: Nirva's Bet

Nirva, created by former Meta Reality Labs employees, is developing a wearable focused on personal growth. Worn as a pendant or bracelet, the device listens to its wearer's speech and leverages AI to convert daily experiences into a journal, with an app that highlights habits, communication, and areas for improvement. The startup plans to open orders in November, aims for shipments to early users by the end of the year, and announces a price of $249.

Amazon Relaunches Bee: Three Formats, Subscription, and Alexa Option

Amazon acquired Bee in July 2025 and launched new products earlier this month. The original device, sold for $49.99, records what it hears, learns routines and preferences to create reminders and notes, and includes a mute button. Its app, currently limited to iOS, is linked to a monthly subscription of $19 and offers questions, key points of the day, and chronological transcriptions. Two variants complete the range: Bee Frontier at $74.99, designed to be worn on the wrist or clipped on, and Bee Eclipse at $99.99, a card format that attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone. They maintain the same functional base, positioning Bee as a cheaper alternative to Plaud solutions, with the option to connect to Alexa.

Platform Strategies: Muse at Meta and Project at OpenAI

Meta introduced its first AI wearable providing access to Muse in September. The device, which has yet to ship, is expected to incorporate the Jolly avatar in a small pocket-sized case with a mini-screen and operate via voice to perform tasks. Meanwhile, OpenAI is working on a compact AI companion device.