Amazon Acquires Bee: A Leap into Wearable AI
Amazon has acquired Bee, a San Francisco-based startup known for its innovative AI-powered wearable device, signaling a bold move into the wearable technology space.
Announced on July 23, 2025, through a LinkedIn post by Bee’s co-founder Maria de Lourdes Zollo and confirmed by Amazon to TechCrunch, the deal is still pending finalization.
Bee’s flagship product, a $49.99 wristband with a $19 monthly subscription, continuously listens to conversations—unless muted—to generate to-do lists, reminders, and summaries, acting as a personal AI assistant.
An accompanying Apple Watch app enhances its accessibility, positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to pricier AI wearables like Humane’s $499 AI Pin.
Bee’s technology, which raised $7 million in 2024, aims to create a “cloud phone” that integrates with users’ apps, notifications, and calendars, offering a seamless, proactive assistant described as a “trusted companion.”
Unlike competitors such as Rabbit and Humane AI, Bee’s affordability and simplicity have garnered attention, potentially giving Amazon an edge in the emerging AI wearable market.
This acquisition marks a shift from Amazon’s traditional focus on Echo speakers and Alexa, aligning it with rivals like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple, who are also exploring AI-driven wearables, including smart glasses.
The significance of this acquisition lies in Amazon’s push to expand its AI ecosystem, potentially integrating Bee’s technology with Alexa to create more personalized, on-the-go experiences.
For users, this could mean affordable, AI-enhanced wearables that streamline daily tasks. Businesses may benefit from Amazon’s scale, driving faster innovation and broader market reach.
However, privacy concerns loom large. Bee emphasizes user control, allowing data deletion and planning features to limit recording based on consent, topics, or locations, with a focus on on-device processing to reduce risks.
Yet, Amazon’s past controversies, including unauthorized sharing of Ring footage and a 2023 FTC settlement, raise questions about whether Bee’s privacy commitments will hold.
This move positions Amazon as a key player in wearable AI, potentially reshaping how consumers interact with technology. As the deal finalizes, all eyes will be on how Amazon balances innovation with privacy.
FAQ
What does Bee’s wearable device do?
Bee’s $49.99 wristband listens to conversations (unless muted) and uses AI to create to-do lists, reminders, and summaries, acting as a personal assistant. It also offers an Apple Watch app for broader accessibility.
How will Amazon’s acquisition of Bee affect users?
The acquisition could lead to more advanced, affordable AI wearables integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem, like Alexa, but privacy concerns may arise due to Amazon’s history with user data.
