ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has launched its first earbuds, the Ola Friend buds, exclusively in China. Priced at $170, these open-ear earbuds integrate with the company’s generative AI assistant, Doubao, offering users a unique blend of audio and AI capabilities.
With a simple voice command, users can activate Doubao and access a range of features. The earbuds can function as a tour guide, providing information about surrounding landmarks and attractions. They can also assist with language learning, offering real-time feedback and pronunciation guidance for English practice.
The launch of Ola Friend buds follows ByteDance’s acquisition of Oladance, a wearable audio device manufacturer, earlier this year. This move signifies ByteDance’s growing interest in the hardware market, complementing its existing VR ventures with Pico.
Doubao, the AI assistant powering the earbuds, has gained significant popularity in China, boasting over 47 million monthly active users as of September. By integrating Doubao with Ola Friend buds, ByteDance aims to provide users with a seamless and intuitive AI experience.
Available in four colors (purple, silver, black, and white), Ola Friend buds are currently available for pre-order and will begin shipping on October 17th. While there’s no information yet on a potential global release, the launch in China marks a significant step for ByteDance as it expands its presence in the hardware and AI landscape.
