Amazon to Acquire Bee, AI Wearable Startup Behind Conversation-Transcribing Bracelet
Amazon is making a fresh move into the AI wearable tech space with the acquisition of Bee, a San Francisco-based startup that developed a $50 AI-powered bracelet capable of listening, transcribing, and summarising conversations. The deal, confirmed by Amazon on Tuesday, reflects the tech giant’s renewed interest in merging artificial intelligence with personal devices.
What Is Bee and Its AI Bracelet?
Bee’s wearable product is a lightweight, AI-enabled wristband designed to:
- Record audio conversations
- Automatically transcribe speech
- Generate summaries, to-do lists, and contextual tasks
According to Bee co-founder and CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo, the startup aims to build “AI that is truly personal,” enhancing everyday life by learning from user behaviour in real time.
Deal Details and Strategic Fit
While Amazon did not disclose financial terms, Bee CEO Zollo confirmed the acquisition in a LinkedIn post. She thanked Amazon Devices SVP Panos Panay, hinting that Bee’s team will join his division upon deal completion.
A spokesperson from Amazon noted that the partnership would focus on giving users greater control and privacy, including mute features for the wearable’s always-on microphones.
Amazon’s Wearable History
This is not Amazon’s first step into the wearables market:
- In 2023, Amazon shut down its Halo fitness trackers, a line of health-focused wearables.
- Amazon also offers Echo Frames, smart glasses powered by its Alexa voice assistant.
The acquisition of Bee could mark a pivot from health monitoring to productivity-enhancing AI, positioning Amazon to compete with emerging players in AI-driven personal devices.
The Bigger Picture: AI Wearables on the Rise
Amazon’s deal follows a broader trend in the AI wearables market:
- OpenAI recently acquired “io”, a startup by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for around $6.5 billion
- Several other startups have launched early AI wearable products, though many have faced technical and adoption challenges
With Bee, Amazon may find new ways to integrate AI into daily productivity tools, expanding its presence beyond smart speakers and cloud services.
Final Thoughts
Amazon’s acquisition of Bee signals a renewed commitment to consumer-facing AI technologies. With a growing portfolio of smart devices, Amazon is looking to lead in the next wave of context-aware, AI-powered wearables that can understand and assist users in real time.
