Nirva raises $33M for AI pendant that listens only to its wearer

Nirva has raised $33 million in new funding for an ambient AI pendant and plans to ship the device by the end of the year, TechCrunch reports. The startup pitches a privacy-first wearable that listens only to its owner’s voice, aiming to sidestep the always-listening concerns dogging AI gadgets in workplaces and public spaces. The move underscores growing competition in AI wearables as companies race to blend on-body computing with voice interfaces across pins, pendants, and smart glasses.

TechCrunch says the pendant is designed to work ambiently and respond solely to the wearer, with Nirva positioning it as a companion rather than a phone replacement. The device is set to cost $249 at launch, with availability targeted before year-end as the company readies broader details on features, preorders, and distribution; watch for concrete ship dates and first demos. [Developing. This article will be updated.]