The Verge AI1 Min Read

Friend re-launches its AI pendant with a speaker that talks to you, for twice the price

T

The Verge AI

7/30/2026

Do you remember Friend? The Friend that launched an AI pendant, spent $1.8 million of its $2.5 million in funding to acquire friend.com, and plastered the NYC subway with ads promoting artificial companionship? Yeah well, if you didn't remember, Friend is back. And now, it's twice the price. This morning, Friend launched a new ad […]

Strategic AI Brief

Impact Analysis

Do you remember Friend?

Market Signal

The Friend that launched an AI pendant, spent $1.8 million of its $2.5 million in funding to acquire friend.com, and plastered the NYC subway with ads promoting artificial companionship?

Tactical Warning

Yeah well, if you didn't remember, Friend is back. And now, it's twice the price. This morning, Friend launched a new ad […].

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