The frightening and futuristic iPhone accessory Friend might just work.

A man alone in his thoughts, with a Friend AI lanyard around the neck
Think of the Humane pin and then toss it aside, like you were burned by its overheating batteries. What happened to the Rabbit R1? Friend could be a big hit. This is partly due to the fact that it is cheaper than the others, and partly because this AI friend believes you are doing a great job. It’s a bit like a puppy, one that can send messages and is always positive according to the makers. Get a Friend, and it will always agree with you. Friend is an alarm that you wear around your collar, just like elderly people do in case they fall. It connects to your iPhone, and when you press Friend on the phone to speak to it, Friend responds via text message. The launch video of the Friend company shows a variety of uses, some of which are almost inconceivable. The first video shows a woman who is running. As she stops, her AI Friend sends her a message of encouragement. Friend only works with iPhones, so yes, you can track your location and maybe even your workouts. Later, a woman is seen eating falafel while watching TV on her iPhone. Friend interrupts to comment, and it may be the first instance you want to stamp on Friend. Then, it asks how the falafel tastes. This is not friendly. This is a bit creepy. It’s also a little creepy when the Bluetooth microphone responds with “yum” after some sauce has fallen on it. As if we had caught Friend, the launch video includes a lot more of the dark side. Here’s a real-life man playing a game with his closest friends. He can even say out loud that he hates it. They let him vent but Friend sent him a message telling him how bad he was at the game. Forget that he is playing a game on an iPhone, but it looks like a console connected via TV. Forget about it having to know the score and forget that it is listening. It may have heard that line about the game being hated. Focus on the way Friend is now mocking this guy. The falafel comment also implies a criticism of diet. Now a nervous woman shares her calm, serene haven, the first time anyone has been there, with a man. Anyone except Friend. The video shows her having to stop herself from pressing the button on Friend. The man will notice if she is slow to stop herself. He has heard you talk about your AI Friend a lot and wishes he had not come. This is not a situation that will go as she wants. This man is gone. It’s okay because Friend will be with you. Friend is always there for you. Friend knew he wasn’t the right man for you. Friend is the only one who can make you happy. This is Tamagotchi in the 2020s. The movie “Her” is a good example. Friend sounds is going to fight back instead of dying because you tossed them in a box and never gave it a second thought. It’s me and you, kid. Best friends forever. Like Chucky. Or else. Friend is $99, and there is no subscription. Pre-orders are available from the manufacturer. It will start shipping in Q1 of 2025. Enjoy your last few weeks of freedom.