AI Christmas: The latest devices from Amazon, Meta, Google and more

As the 2025 holiday shopping season approaches, a new wave of devices featuring generative AI technology has emerged, giving consumers an array of options to choose from. This year marks three years since OpenAI launched ChatGPT, and tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, alongside smaller innovators, are eager to capture shopper interest with enticing Black Friday deals. Among the standout offerings are sophisticated smart glasses and AI-driven smart speakers, including a pendant device designed to act as a conversational companion. Despite the excitement surrounding these products, reviews remain mixed, with no single device clearly dominating the market. This lack of consensus may stem from the tech industry's current focus on developing large language models aimed at achieving artificial general intelligence. Amazon is pushing forward with its Alexa voice assistant and Echo smart speakers, introducing Alexa+ in February, which promises a more conversational and personalized experience. The company has since launched a new series of Echo devices, including the Echo Dot Max and Echo Show 11, which come equipped with enhanced features like improved sensors and microphones. During Black Friday, discounts are available, with 11% off the Echo Show 11 and 10% off the Echo Dot Max, as Amazon seeks to refresh user engagement with Alexa. In the smartphone arena, Google unveiled its Pixel 10 lineup in August, integrating AI capabilities that enhance live translation and photo editing. The Pixel 10 starts at $799, with the Pro versions offering advanced camera and display technology. Features like the Magic Cue, which connects data from various apps, and the AI Camera Coach, which aids users in taking better photos, highlight the innovative potential of these devices. Meta's collaboration with EssilorLuxottica has resulted in the release of the new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which allow users to take photos and receive information about their surroundings. With improved battery life and camera quality, the latest model costs $379. Meta has also introduced smart glasses tailored for athletes under the Oakley brand, as well as the groundbreaking Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which feature a small display intended for navigation. For those looking for a more unique AI experience, the $129 Friend pendant provides a chatbot companion that listens to conversations and offers commentary via a smartphone app. Meanwhile, the Plaud Note, resembling a credit card, serves as a voice recorder with transcription capabilities in multiple languages and is powered by advanced AI models for generating summaries and notes. With these innovative products hitting the market, consumers have an exciting selection of AI-enhanced gadgets to consider this holiday season.