Amazon has agreed to acquire Bee, a San Francisco-based startup that makes an artificial intelligence-enabled bracelet that listens to and transcribes conversations.
The deal was confirmed by both companies on Tuesday after Bee CEO and co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo posted about it on LinkedIn.
The $50 wristband developed by Bee can record audio and use AI to generate summaries, create to-do lists, and perform other tasks. Zollo said the company aimed to build technology that understands and grows with the user.
The deal has not yet closed, and Amazon did not disclose the terms. A company spokesperson said Amazon will work with Bee to improve user control over the device, which transcribes audio automatically but includes a mute option.
Bee was founded in 2022. When the acquisition is completed, Bee is expected to join the devices group led by Amazon executive Panos Panay. Most of Amazon’s AI development takes place within its Amazon Web Services division.
Amazon previously entered the wearables market with its Halo fitness tracker line, which was discontinued in 2023. It also sells smart glasses with built-in Alexa under its Echo brand.
Other companies are also exploring AI wearables. OpenAI recently acquired io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, in a deal worth about $6.5 billion.
Several startups have released AI-enabled devices, with mixed outcomes.
