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The Ola Friend earphones, priced at 1,199 yuan (US$170), integrate with ByteDance's AI chatbot Doubao.
The open-ear design allows users to interact with Doubao without needing to access their smartphone. Users can activate the AI assistant by saying "Doubao Doubao", The earbuds are marketed for various uses, including travel assistance, English practice, music listening, and companionship.
Weighing 6.6 grams each, the Ola Friend earbuds come in purple, silver, black, and white. They are available for pre-order on major Chinese e-commerce platforms, with shipping set to begin on October 17.
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This product launch follows ByteDance's recent acquisition of Oladance, a Shenzhen-based startup specializing in audio technology. The move aligns with ByteDance's increased focus on generative AI technology since the rise of ChatGPT in late 2022.
Doubao, ByteDance's AI chatbot, has gained significant traction in China. According to AIcpb.com, it recorded 47 million monthly active users in September, surpassing competitors like Baidu's Ernie Bot (recently renamed Wenxiaoyan) and Moonshot AI's Kimi.
The AI wearables market is seeing increased activity from both established tech companies and startups. Meta and Snap are developing smart glasses, while smaller firms like Rabbit and Humane are exploring novel form factors such as handheld devices and wearable pins.
ByteDance's foray into hardware isn't new. The company acquired smartphone maker Smartisan in 2019 and later merged it with its educational technology division. In 2020, they released a smart lamp for children with voice-calling capabilities. ByteDance also purchased VR company Pico in 2021, recently launching the Pico 4 Ultra headset in various markets.
As AI technology advances, more companies are likely to explore its integration with wearable devices, potentially revitalizing the wearables market.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.