Andy Jassy launches Amazon's new Bee AI devices, a wearable and a phone attachment that turn conversations into summaries and to dos
Excited about our new Bee devices launching today. They turn your conversations into summaries, to-dos, and reminders, so the details are there when you need them. Bee Frontier goes on your wrist or clips to your clothing, and Bee Eclipse snaps to the back of your phone to catch what you'd otherwise forget throughout your day, whether it's notes from a class you're taking, the details of a trip you're planning, or an idea that comes to you in the car. They connect to Alexa+ and t.co/Z6kkwemkMT, so the things you mention are easy to find later. And you're always in control…one button turns it on or off, a light shows when it's on, audio is never stored, and only you can see your data. Think folks are gonna find this really handy.
Context
Amazon is pushing always available AI note takers into the mass market at low prices, a category where privacy concerns are as big a question as usefulness.
This is a first hand launch post from Amazon's CEO, and Bee is a wearable startup Amazon acquired last year. The privacy promises, such as audio never being stored, are Amazon's own claims.
Deep dive
On October 15, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy posted that he was excited about the new Bee devices launching that day, saying they turn conversations into summaries, to dos and reminders. He wrote that Bee Frontier goes on the wrist or clips to clothing, that Bee Eclipse snaps to the back of a phone, and that both connect to Alexa+ and Amazon so things mentioned are easy to find later. He said one button turns the device on or off, a light shows when it is on, audio is never stored and only the user can see their data.
TechCrunch reported the Bee Frontier costs $74.99 and is available now on Amazon, while the Bee Eclipse costs $99.99 and will follow soon. It said the Frontier offers IP67 water resistance, up to seven days of battery life and dual microphones, and compared its price with rivals such as the $159 Plaud Note.
Engadget reported the Eclipse is a magnetic puck with three microphones that Bee says lasts more than 21 days, that the Frontier replaces the earlier Pioneer, and that a new Pro subscription unlocks more features. The Verge reported the devices can now help users shop on Amazon.
What to expect next
Watch early reviews for how accurate the summaries are and whether the privacy controls hold up in daily use around people who did not agree to be recorded.
Also watch the actual ship date for Bee Eclipse, what the Pro subscription costs, and how closely Amazon ties these devices to Alexa+ and shopping. Sales against Plaud and other note takers will show whether the low price wins buyers.