“It’s real! Premium domains are expensive, but it’s worth it,” Schiffman told me in an email after I reached out to ask if it was true.

[…]

“People just don’t get consumer, I view this as saving money. Much less money needs to be spent on marketing, it’s a one time thing,” Schiffmann said.

there’s an entire type of startup guy embodied by Schiffmann, and I can’t be the only one who’s met this type more than once

The company advertises the device as “always listening” when connected to bluetooth. “When connected via bluetooth, your friend is always listening and forming their own internal thoughts. We have given your friend free will for when they decide to reach out to you.”

presented without comment

Forget the diss track person, I’ve tracked down the true origin of Friend:

the ad alone should be a thread it’s the most insane thing I’ve seen in years

the yt comments are brutal btw definitely check them out

I like how the advertisement’s URL opens with a fucking O_Q like even its unsettled by this shit

It’s like how can we make a depressing tamagotchi?

Here’s Friend’s advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Q1hoEhfk4 . The music choice and general vibe is… unsettling.

This hast the same vibe as a trailer for shows like Black Mirror. I actually feel sad for the people they’re targeting with this, holy shit.

unsettling.

Indeed.