> One person said the device would be “always on” rather than triggered by a word or prompt. The device’s sensors would gather data throughout the day that would help to build its virtual assistant’s “memory.”

That sounds like a terrible idea.

It's hard to say, but I like to think that something like the iPhone always sounded like a good idea. Basically, the entire web in your pocket. Check football scores while you're on the john, text someone instead of calling, GPS, etc. There were some unknowns, like can we get touch screen to work well enough, will people pay $600 for a phone when typical phones cost $100-200 at the time. But the product itself was obviously good.

But this is some puck that records everything and periodically chimes in? Sounds awful. What problem is this trying to solve? iPhone solved the problem of camera, entertainment and phone in one device. Is anyone walking around thinking gee I wish I had some AI talk to me right now but I don't want to press a button?