Hands-on with Bee, Amazon’s latest AI wearable

In our preliminary tests with the Bee, Amazon's newest AI wearable, we found it to be user-friendly, with straightforward controls for recording audio. Simply press a button to initiate or halt recording. The accompanying app allows for customization, enabling features such as bookmarking parts of conversations with a double press or leaving a voice note with a press-and-hold gesture. Bee distinguishes itself from other AI tools, such as Plaud and Otter, by not just transcribing audio but also segmenting it into meaningful sections. For example, an interview could be broken down into parts like the introduction, product details, and industry insights, each marked with different background colors to facilitate easy navigation. Users can tap on these segments to access the full transcription, although the app's speaker labeling feature is less intuitive compared to other professional transcribers. One notable aspect of Bee is its approach to audio handling: it discards recordings after transcription, limiting its use in scenarios where playback for accuracy is required. However, Amazon positions Bee as a companion for daily life rather than a professional tool. By integrating with Google services, the device can connect recorded conversations to relevant tasks, such as suggesting LinkedIn connections after meeting someone at an event. It also allows users to leave voice notes, serving as a practical alternative to jotting things down. The app's design is a marked improvement over Amazon's previous efforts, like the Alexa mobile app, making it easy to navigate. Users can also revisit past memories and interact with a 'Grow' section that offers insights based on their interactions. Furthermore, Bee includes a 'facts' section where users can input details about themselves, similar to other AI chatbots that retain user information. Unlike some competitors that have faced criticism for being constantly active, Bee only records when activated by the user, with a green light indicating it is in use. However, the device's sports band has received mixed feedback for its durability, having fallen off during regular activities, although the clip-on pin appears sturdier. While the concept of an AI device designed to record conversations is intriguing, its practicality for everyday consumers remains uncertain. The societal implications of widespread AI listening devices raise questions about privacy and the norms surrounding consent in public spaces. As demonstrated at events like CES, the potential for recording everyday conversations could alter interpersonal dynamics significantly. Amazon’s success with Bee will likely depend on consumer acceptance of this new technology and its implications for privacy and social interaction.