Amazon has announced its acquisition of Bee, a San Francisco-based startup developing an AI-powered wearable bracelet capable of transcribing conversations and turning them into summaries, task lists, or actionable steps.
The $50 bracelet passively listens and creates searchable transcripts — not audio recordings — offering a new level of personal assistant technology.
The deal was revealed by Bee CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo in a LinkedIn post on July 22, with an Amazon spokesperson confirming to the Wall Street Journal that the acquisition is signed but still pending final closure. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Amazon emphasized that it will offer strong data control features, including the ability to mute the microphone. This acquisition represents a strategic move to re-enter the AI-driven wearables market, especially after the company discontinued its Halo fitness band in July 2023 and continued investment in Alexa-powered smart glasses.
Founded in 2022, Bee aims to redefine the relationship between humans and technology through adaptive, lifestyle-aware devices.
The Bee team will join Amazon Devices, led by Panos Panay, contributing to Amazon’s broader AI efforts, including the development of Alexa+, the company’s generative AI-powered assistant currently in beta.
Experts say that AI-powered wearables — from Google’s Pixel Buds and Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses to Jony Ive’s device for OpenAI — could revolutionize consumer insights by providing real-time data for hyper-personalized marketing and innovation.
