Amazon acquires Bee, known for its $49.99 wristband that transcribes conversations, signaling a move into AI-powered wearable tech.
In a strategic move to enhance its AI-driven hardware portfolio, Amazon has confirmed its plans to acquire Bee, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in AI-powered wearables. The announcement, made by Bee’s CEO Maria de Lourdes Zollo via LinkedIn, marks a significant step in Amazon’s push into the wearable AI market.
While the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Amazon has confirmed it plans to integrate Bee’s technologies into its existing devices division. This division is likely to be led by Panos Panay, an executive known for overseeing Amazon's devices portfolio.
The acquisition signals Amazon’s deeper involvement in AI hardware! This is a field the company has explored before through its Halo fitness trackers. However, these trackers were discontinued in 2023. Amazon has also previously explored hardware through its Alexa-embedded Echo glasses.
By acquiring Bee, Amazon aims to further enhance its generative AI capabilities in consumer hardware. This is a strategic move as this area has seen increasing interest from tech giants worldwide.
Bee’s long-term vision of creating a world where AI is personal and adapts to the user’s needs aligns with Amazon’s broader goals of advancing AI technologies in daily life. As Amazon moves forward with this acquisition, questions around privacy policies may arise, especially given Amazon’s past scrutiny over its Ring cameras.
How the integration of Bee’s technologies will evolve post-acquisition remains to be seen. This acquisition puts Amazon in direct competition with other AI-driven wearable initiatives, such as OpenAI’s purchase of Jony Ive’s AI device startup in May 2025. As the industry watches closely, Amazon’s move solidifies its stake in the future of AI-powered consumer technology
