Ambient AI is gaining traction with significant new launches. Amazon has introduced a wrist device named Bee, while a former Plaud executive has unveiled ambient apps through a startup called Ambi, which also plans to develop its own hardware. Additionally, Apple debuted Voice Intelligence capabilities during its September iPhone unveiling. Amidst all this, a new player, Nirva, is introducing a pendant-like accessory designed to listen exclusively to its wearer.
Nirva has successfully secured $25 million in a pre-Series A funding round, complementing the $8 million raised earlier this year from investors, totaling $33 million.
Founded in 2025 by former Meta Reality Labs members Wei Lyu and Jason Chen, along with Hanying Hu, a fashion and jewelry brand founder, Nirva aims to combine technology and aesthetics.
The company’s initial device, a pendant that can also function as a bracelet, is lightweight at approximately eight grams, allowing for comfortable all-day wear. Its battery lifespan is impressive too, lasting up to three days per charge.
Looking ahead, Nirva plans to release additional devices to enhance user experience.
In a recent discussion, Nirva’s CEO Lyu emphasized the aim to create a wearable that seamlessly integrates into fashion while providing meaningful insights to users.
“This is jewelry focused on actively listening to your own speech. Unlike voice recorders or meeting notes, our device passively listens to you,” explained Lyu, highlighting the device’s unique capability to constantly engage with the user’s voice without recording external audio.
Privacy concerns arise with ambient devices, particularly regarding constant recording. Products such as Ray-Ban Meta have raised apprehensions about the possibility of unintentionally recording others.
Nirva addresses these concerns by requiring users to record voice samples during setup, helping the device to tailor its experience to the individual while filtering out external sounds. Hence, only the wearer’s voice is tracked.
Moreover, Nirva ensures that no audio data or transcripts are retained post-processing.
Instead of focusing solely on productivity, Nirva positions itself as a personal insight platform, offering reminders and actionable insights aimed at enhancing user relationships.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to everyone’s issues. We aim to provide tools for better self-awareness and understanding,” Lyu stated.
The companion app analyzes users’ conversations to derive insights linked to their personality, including their emotional state, communication patterns, and social interactions. Lyu shared a personal anecdote where the app gently reminded her to express gratitude to her mother.
Before deleting audio files, the device captures vocal aspects such as tone and pitch, which are essential for understanding emotional nuances reflected in the app.
Nirva is set to begin pre-orders for its device in November, with an expectation to ship orders to early adopters by the year’s close. Priced at $249, the device will be available in several finishes including silver, brushed silver, black, and gold.
The company faces competition from other players in the AI wearable sector, including intelligent jewelry startups like Taya, established by former Apple employees, as well as other startups like Friend and Bee that are also vying for a place in the companion gadget market.
