Last week, the internet was abuzz about the sale of Friend.com. Reports indicate that the domain was acquired for approximately $1.8 million by a company named “Friend.” However, according to Domain Name Wire, it seems the company didn’t splurge all its cash on the domain. Instead, they appear to have taken out a loan, planning to pay it back in installments.
But what’s behind all this excitement?
The startup Friend was founded by Harvard dropout Avi Schiffmann, who previously made headlines with a COVID-19 tracking website. This time around, Schiffmann’s venture is all about artificial intelligence. Friend is selling necklaces equipped with a unique AI button that serves both as a chatbot and a virtual best friend. The Friend AI necklace is marketed as a solution to loneliness, designed to provide companionship in lieu of real friends.
Here’s how it works: Users can speak into the AI necklace, which listens to what they say and replies with a text message that shows up on their smartphones. The necklace connects to the phone through an app. Unlike devices like ALEXA, which are designed to help with everyday tasks, Friend is all about creating genuine human connections and providing the kind of supportive and encouraging words that only a close friend can give.
The AI-powered necklace is set to launch in 2025 and is already available for pre-order for $99.
“Friend” seems like a fictional gadget straight out of a dystopian episode of Black Mirror. It also draws strong parallels to the Hollywood film Her, where people fall in love with their virtual AI systems. Only time will tell if Friend truly makes it to market and finds its audience, or if it’s simply a savvy marketing ploy.
A perfect domain match
One thing is for sure: the company has nailed a crucial move by grabbing the perfect domain name that fits seamlessly with its product. The connection between the domain and what they’re offering is right on target. If the product catches on and is more than just a marketing stunt, the next step would be to secure matching domain variants.
Even if the project doesn't take off, you'll still own a premium domain that holds its value, since good descriptive domains are hard to come by. If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality domain for your business idea, we recommend working with an exclusive domain broker who has access to unique domain assets. They can help you find exactly what you need!