Core Insights - Friend.com is running the largest advertising campaign in New York City's subway this year, featuring intimate and relatable slogans aimed at attracting users [1] - The campaign has a significant financial backing of $1 million, which is substantial for a startup with only $7 million in venture capital [2] - The product is a simple AI wearable device that utilizes a microphone and Bluetooth technology to interact with Google's Gemini AI, generating responses and storing user memories [3] Company Overview - The creator of Friend.com, Avi Schiffmann, has sold approximately 3,000 units of the product, generating around $348,000 in revenue, with most funds allocated to manufacturing and marketing [3] - The product is marketed as a personal confidant, emphasizing a unique design and user experience that reflects the creator's personal tastes [4] Marketing Strategy - The advertising campaign has expanded to over 11,000 locations in the MTA and over 500 bus shelters in Los Angeles, creating significant buzz around the product [2][5] - The campaign has attracted mixed reactions, with some graffiti on the ads reflecting negative sentiments towards AI and surveillance capitalism, which Schiffmann views as artistically validating [6][7] Public Reception - The campaign has sparked widespread discussion on social media, indicating a high level of public engagement, albeit with a notable amount of criticism [6][5] - Schiffmann embraces the backlash as part of the artistic expression of the campaign, suggesting that audience interaction completes the work [7]