Amazon Tests Bee, an AI Wearable That Records and Summarizes Daily Life

Amazon has begun early testing of Bee, a new AI-powered wearable designed to record, segment, and summarize conversations throughout the day, offering a glimpse into how AI might integrate more deeply into everyday life. In hands-on use, the device proved simple to operate, relying on a single button to start or stop recording. Through its companion app, users can customize gestures to bookmark moments, process conversations, or leave voice notes, and the interface is intuitive and polished compared with other Amazon-built apps.

Bee works similarly to other AI transcription tools by recording and transcribing audio, but it stands out by automatically breaking conversations into sections and summarizing each part instead of presenting a single overview or raw transcript. For example, an interview may be divided into an introduction, product discussion, and broader industry talk. Each section appears in a different color, making it easy to scroll and review, and users can tap into sections to view full transcriptions.

However, Bee falls short in some areas expected from professional transcription tools. Speaker labeling is limited, requiring manual confirmation, and the device deletes audio after transcription, preventing users from replaying recordings to verify accuracy. Amazon positions Bee less as a work tool and more as a personal AI companion that moves with users throughout their day. By connecting with Google services, Bee can suggest follow-up actions, such as researching a person you met or connecting on LinkedIn, and it also allows users to store voice notes instead of typed reminders.

The app includes a daily memory view and a section that offers insights as the AI learns more about the user, along with a facts area where users can confirm personal details. Amazon says additional features are planned in the coming year.

Privacy and social norms remain major concerns. Bee does not listen constantly and requires user activation, with a visible green light signaling recording. Even so, wearing an AI recorder raises questions about consent and public comfort, especially as similar devices have faced backlash. Hardware design also needs refinement, as the sports band felt flimsy, though the clip-on pin appears sturdier.