ByteDance Launches AI Earbuds, Ola Friend, in China Featuring GenAI Chatbot
ByteDance's Innovative Move into Wearables
ByteDance, renowned for its short-video app TikTok, has officially launched its first earbuds, the Ola Friend, which allow users to chat directly with the company's generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbot. This revolutionary product, designed to function as a personal audio assistant, supports various activities such as travelling, music listening, and language practice.
Specifications and Features
- Pricing: The Ola Friend earbuds are priced at 1,199 yuan (approximately US$170).
- Launch Date: They are set to ship beginning October 17 and are available on platforms including Alibaba's Tmall and JD.com.
- Weight: Each earbud weighs just 6.6 grams.
- Colors: Available in four color options: purple, silver, black, and white.
Once connected to a smartphone, the auditory assistant can be activated by saying “Doubao Doubao”, a prompt derived from ByteDance's GenAI service that gained attention with its extensive user base.
Strategic Moves in AI and Hardware
Following its acquisition of Oladance, a Shenzhen-based startup, ByteDance has made significant strides in hardware development since 2019. Their focus has intensified on GenAI technologies post OpenAI's ChatGPT inception, leading to an impressive user engagement of 47 million monthly active users for their Doubao application. The company’s efforts in advancing wearable technology highlight a competitive landscape, including other major players embracing innovative gadgets.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.