Amazon has confirmed its plan to acquire Bee AI, a startup specializing in wearable technology. This move underscores the tech giant's growing investment in generative artificial intelligence. Bee, based in San Francisco, offers a $49.99 wristband similar to a Fitbit smartwatch, equipped with AI and a microphone to analyze conversations and provide summaries, to-do lists, and reminders.
Maria de Lourdes Zollo, CEO of Bee, announced the acquisition via LinkedIn, expressing excitement about joining Amazon. She emphasized Bee's vision of personalized AI that grows and learns alongside users. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the acquisition but declined to comment on the terms.
Amazon has been expanding its AI product range, including its Nova series models, Trainium chips, shopping chatbots, and the Bedrock third-party model marketplace. The company has also upgraded its Alexa voice assistant with AI features to compete with rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini.
Additionally, Amazon's smart home security company Ring plans to incorporate generative AI into some of its products. Previously, Amazon ventured into wearables with its Halo health and fitness product, which was discontinued in 2023 as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
