ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is expanding its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of a new AI-powered headset called Ola Friend. These headphones connect directly to ByteDance’s generative AI assistant, Doubao, which currently boasts around 47 million monthly active users in China.
The Ola Friend headset allows users to engage with the AI assistant without needing a smartphone for real-time interactions. It can provide help with various tasks such as travel assistance or language learning. Additionally, it offers a more casual experience, allowing users to chat with the AI about a wide range of topics through voice commands.
While you don’t need a phone for basic interactions, installing the Doubao app on your smartphone unlocks the full suite of Ola Friend’s features. The headphones weigh 6.6 grams each, slightly heavier than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (which weighs 5.4 grams), and come in a variety of colors: purple, silver, black, and white.
The design of Ola Friend is also noteworthy, featuring rear supports for the ears, which enhances ergonomics during activities like exercise. However, this product is currently available only in China with a price of 1,199 yuan. There is no word on whether it will be launched in other markets.
While other companies, such as Samsung with its Galaxy Buds3, have already incorporated some AI capabilities into their headphones, Ola Friend offers a more comprehensive AI integration, focusing on more interactive and diverse uses of AI technology.
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