If you’ve taken a ride on the New York City subway lately, chances are you’ve come across striking white advertisements promoting a revolutionary wearable AI gadget known as Friend.
CEO Avi Schiffman revealed to Adweek that Friend invested over $1 million in a marketing campaign, flooding subway cars with 11,000 cards, displaying 1,000 posters on platforms, and dominating 130 urban panels in stations like West 4th Street.
Schiffman boldly declared, “This is the world’s first major AI campaign,” acknowledging the risk involved in such a massive endeavor. Despite facing criticism, including Wired writers denouncing the constant surveillance aspect of the $129 device, Schiffman remains determined to make an impact in a city where AI typically receives a cold reception.
Some ads promoting Friend have been defaced with messages labeling it as “surveillance capitalism,” highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding privacy and technology. Schiffman strategically designed the ads with ample white space to encourage social commentary on the contentious topic of AI.
