Amazon launches AI wearables that can silently record anyone's voice

Amazon has launched two new AI-powered devices that can listen to conversations and turn them into summaries, reminders and to-do lists. The devices, called Bee Frontier and Bee Eclipse, are designed to help users remember details from everyday conversations, meetings and phone calls.However, the technology also raises questions about privacy, as the devices can process spoken conversations when switched on. While Amazon says users remain in control of when the devices listen, their ability to capture conversations makes consent and awareness important.The new products expand Amazon's Bee lineup, which focuses on using artificial intelligence to help people remember information without having to take notes manually.Amazon's new AI devices can capture conversationsBee Frontier is a wearable device that users can wear on their wrist or clip onto their clothes. It features dual microphones with noise filtering, water resistance and up to seven days of battery life. The device is available in Onyx, Lavender and Sage colours. The second product, Bee Eclipse, takes a different approach. It is a slim device about the size of a credit card that attaches magnetically to the back of a phone. Amazon says it can last more than 21 days on a single charge.Both devices can convert conversations into summaries, identify action items and help users recall information they might otherwise forget. For instance, after a meeting, Bee can help users revisit important points or prepare follow-up emails and calendar invitations. The devices can also connect with services such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook, allowing Bee to use information from connected apps to offer more relevant suggestions.Can Amazon's AI wearables record people without their knowledge?While the devices are designed to capture conversations, Amazon says they include controls intended to make users aware when audio processing is active. Bee Frontier and Bee Eclipse have a button to switch audio processing on or off, along with an LED indicator that lights up when the devices are active. Bee Frontier can also be configured to turn off automatically after a set period without sound.Amazon says the devices do not store audio recordings. Instead, conversations are processed in real time, and the audio is deleted after processing. Transcripts are encrypted, with access controlled by keys created and managed by the user's device.The company also says users are prompted to obtain permission from call participants whenever a recording is started. However, these safeguards do not remove the need to consider the privacy of people nearby who may not realise that an AI device is processing their conversation.Amazon is also connecting Bee with Alexa+ and Amazon.com. Users can ask Alexa for conversation summaries, check their to-do lists or recall details without opening the Bee app. The Amazon.com integration can use details mentioned in conversations to recommend relevant products. For example, if someone mentions an item they need, Bee may surface a shopping recommendation later.Bee Frontier is available for $74.99, while Bee Eclipse is expected to launch soon, starting at $99.99. A Bee Pro subscription costs $11.99 per month and unlocks additional features, including third-party app integrations, suggested tasks, personalised assistance and the desktop app. New customers receive a 30-day free trial of Bee Pro.- Ends