Amazon is expanding its footprint in the wearable AI space with the acquisition of Bee, a startup known for its innovative voice-enabled wearable devices. The news was first revealed in a LinkedIn post by Bee co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo, and later confirmed by Amazon to TechCrunch. However, the deal has not officially closed yet.
What is Bee?
Bee is an AI wearables company that raised $7 million in funding last year. It offers a Fitbit-style bracelet ($49.99) and an Apple Watch app, both of which record conversations (unless muted) to help users automatically generate reminders, to-do lists, and context-aware notifications.
Unlike more expensive alternatives, Bee’s low price point and subscription model ($19/month) make it a more accessible option for consumers curious about AI wearables. Its main goal is to become a kind of “cloud phone” — a device that mirrors your smartphone’s capabilities to deliver a seamless, voice-first experience.
Bee’s Vision of Ambient AI
Bee describes its mission as creating an “ambient intelligence” that acts like a personal companion rather than a typical smart assistant. According to their website:
“We believe everyone should have access to a personal, ambient intelligence that feels less like a tool and more like a trusted companion. One that helps you reflect, remember, and move through the world more freely.”
Privacy and AI Ethics
The device’s always-listening nature naturally raises privacy concerns. Bee claims that:
- Audio recordings are not saved or used for AI training.
- Users can delete their data at any time.
- The AI only stores insights it learns about the user.
- Future updates will include on-device processing and customizable boundaries based on location and topics.
However, it’s unclear whether these privacy-first policies will continue under Amazon, which has faced scrutiny in the past for its handling of user data — including its Ring security product’s unauthorized sharing of user footage with law enforcement.
Why This Acquisition Matters
This acquisition signals a clear shift in Amazon’s AI strategy, branching out from home assistants like Echo and Alexa toward more personal, wearable intelligence. Amazon confirmed that Bee’s team members have been offered positions within the company.
With tech rivals like Meta, Apple, and OpenAI also exploring AI-powered glasses and hardware, Amazon’s move into wearables aligns with the growing trend of context-aware AI assistants that go beyond static voice commands.
Final Thoughts
While Bee’s technology presents exciting possibilities for on-the-go AI interaction, its integration into Amazon’s ecosystem will raise important questions about data usage, trust, and consumer transparency. Time will tell whether Amazon can balance innovation with privacy — and if Bee can succeed where others like Humane AI and Rabbit have stumbled.