The Rise of Ambient AI Wearables
Ambient AI is gaining momentum with a wave of new hardware launches, ranging from wrist-worn devices to intelligent jewelry. Amid this growing field, a company called Nirva is introducing a jewelry-like pendant designed to listen exclusively to the wearer.
The startup announced a $25 million pre-Series A round, building on an earlier $8 million raise from investors including Lightspeed and South Park Commons, bringing its total funding to $33 million.
Nirva was founded in 2025 by former Meta Reality Labs employees Wei Lyu and Jason Chen, alongside Hanying Hu, who previously founded a fashion and jewelry brand.
The company’s first device is a lightweight pendant weighing about eight grams, which can also be worn as a bracelet. It offers a battery life of up to three days on a single charge.
Longer term, Nirva aims to release additional hardware devices.
Image Credits:Nirva
In a call with media, Nirva CEO Lyu explained that the company wanted to build a wearable that integrates seamlessly with fashion while providing practical utility.
Focusing Exclusively on the Wearer's Speech
Unlike standard voice recorders or meeting transcription tools, the device is designed to continuously and passively monitor only the wearer's speech to model their habits and mindset.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Privacy remains a significant hurdle for ambient recording devices, particularly given public concerns regarding always-on cameras and microphones in surrounding environments.
Nirva addresses this by requiring users to record voice snippets during onboarding to build a personalized voice profile. The device filters out surrounding conversations from other individuals, recording only the wearer.
Additionally, the company stated that raw audio data and transcripts are deleted by default after initial processing.
Personal Insights Over Productivity
Rather than focusing strictly on productivity, Nirva positions itself as a personal insights tool. Its companion app delivers actionable reminders while aiming to support user self-awareness.
According to Lyu, the goal is to provide a tool that helps users improve their self-understanding, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
Image Credits:Nirva
The companion app parses the user's speech to generate insights regarding personality patterns, frequent locations, social interactions, and daily notes, with a particular focus on emotions and communication styles.
Lyu noted an example where the app provided a reminder following an instance where she forgot to thank a family member.
Before audio is discarded, the system analyzes tone, pitch, volume, and speech speed to derive emotional metrics that are subsequently surfaced within the app.
Pricing and Availability
Nirva plans to begin taking orders for the $249 device in November, with shipments to early users expected by the end of the year. The pendant will be available in silver, brushed silver, black, and gold.
The startup faces competition in the emerging AI wearables space from firms such as Taya, which is also developing intelligent jewelry, alongside companion gadget startups like Friend and Bee.
