Amazon's Be Frontier and Be Eclipse lead new wave of AI wearables
A TechCrunch roundup covers Amazon's $74.99 Be Frontier, the $99.99 Be Eclipse, Friend 2.0, Meta's pocket device and Sandbar's $299 Stream Ring.
Amazon released two new AI wearables, the Be Frontier and Be Eclipse, in early October 2026, part of a wave of new and upcoming devices rounded up in a TechCrunch report. The Be Frontier costs $74.99 and can be worn on the wrist or attached to clothing, while the Be Eclipse costs $99.99 and is a card-shaped device that magnetically attaches to the back of a smartphone. Both support integration with Alexa.
Other companies are pushing into the same category with different form factors. Friend received a "Friend 2.0" update that adds voice features and a built-in speaker. Nirva plans to start taking orders in November 2026 and aims for initial deliveries by the end of the year, with its pendant and bracelet devices priced at $249. Plaud is taking pre-orders for the $179 Plaud Note Pro.
Pocket devices, rings and subscription plans
Meta unveiled a pocket-sized AI wearable in September 2026. The device has not shipped yet and features a small display and a keychain design. Sandbar's Stream Ring costs $299 and will be offered in silver and gold; its microphone is off by default and is activated by pressing the top touch panel.
Existing products are also being updated. The Rabbit R1, priced at $199, recently added a "Creations" feature for building tools and games. Limitless offers a $29 monthly plan for unlimited transcription and summarization.
Some of these devices follow earlier launches with mixed receptions. In July 2025, Amazon acquired the wearable startup Be, whose earlier pendant device costs $49.99 with a $19 monthly app subscription. Friend's $129 pendant drew privacy concerns over its always-listening feature, and the Rabbit R1 had software problems at its initial launch.
Quick answers
How much does the Amazon Be Frontier cost?
The Be Frontier costs $74.99 and can be worn on the wrist or attached to clothing.
How much is the Sandbar Stream Ring?
The Stream Ring costs $299 and will be offered in silver and gold.
When does Nirva start taking orders?
Nirva plans to start taking orders in November 2026, with initial deliveries targeted for the end of the year.