By Clare Duffy, CNN
Publication Date: 2025-11-16 10:00:00
new York
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A nondescript round trailer a little bigger than a quarter was at the center of a massive commotion. The manager behind it is not impressed.
Avi Schiffmann, 23, developed the Friend pendant as an artificial intelligence companion for users. He was inspired when he realized that while he maintains close friendships, not everyone is so lucky, especially at a time when young men are facing a crisis of loneliness.
The device — which was featured in a viral video last year and has been shipping to customers since this summer — listens to the user’s surroundings and conversations and chimes in with advice or general small talk via a smartphone app.
“I think everyone deserves to have a close confidant in their life who really supports them in their endeavors,” Schiffmann told CNN. “I really wanted to bottle up the best relationships I’ve ever had…