Startups·25 October 2026·2 min readTechnical readSource-backed

The hottest AI wearables and gadgets you should know about

WIREUNWIRED BRIEF

A growing market of artificial intelligence hardware aims to weave smart tools directly into everyday life, offering alternatives to traditional smartphones. These products range from productivity gadgets and meeting recorders to emotional companions and personal journaling pendants. Major players and startups alike are releasing form factors like necklaces, rings, wristbands, and credit-card-sized attachments designed to listen, record, and assist users on the go.

The Bee pendant, originally a $49.99 device that records audio to create reminders and notes, was acquired by Amazon in July 2025. Amazon expanded the lineup this month with the $74.99 Bee Frontier for wrists or clothing and the $99.99 magnetic Bee Eclipse, both offering optional Alexa connectivity alongside an iOS companion app priced at a $19 monthly subscription.

Meanwhile, Plaud offers the $159 NotePin for real-time transcription and a $179 ultra-thin Note Pro available for preorder. Limitless, formerly known as Rewind, sells a $99 conversation-recording pendant that transcribes meetings into searchable knowledge for professionals and journalists. Companion and wellness devices target a different emotional or reflective niche. Friend, a $129 pendant designed to act as an emotional support companion, recently introduced "Friend 2.0" with a built-in speaker and voice features, following public backlash and NYC subway ad vandalism.

Nirva, founded by former Meta Reality Labs employees, plans to open orders in November for a $249 device that turns everyday speech into a personal journal for $249, targeting shipments by year-end.

Additionally, Omi offers an $89 necklace or head-mounted device running conversations through ChatGPT, while Sandbar’s upcoming $299 Stream ring features a touch-activated microphone for notes and media controls.

Other screen-based gadgets are targeting device independence and task execution.

The $199 Rabbit R1 handheld device features a touchscreen and rotating camera to handle tasks like booking flights and ordering meals, bolstered by a software update introducing custom tools called "Creations." Meta also announced an upcoming pocket-sized device housing a digital avatar named Jolly to interact with its Muse personal AI assistant, though shipping dates remain unannounced.

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SOURCE & ATTRIBUTION

TechCrunch

Original author: Lauren Forristal

Original publication: 25 October 2026 19:40

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STORY TITLE:
The hottest AI wearables and gadgets you should know about
SOURCE:
TechCrunch
ORIGINAL URL:
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/25/the-hottest-ai-wearables-and-gadgets-you-should-know-about/

SOURCE EXCERPT:
We compiled a list of all the hottest AI wearables, including Muse Charm, Bee, Friend, Plaud, and more.

Last updated 26 October 2026 12:07

Original sourceTechCrunch ↗