Amazon Is Working on a Wearable Device That Can Read Your Emotions

Amazon is developing a wrist-worn wearable device capable of determining users’ emotions based on their voice. The device would use a smartphone and microphones to capture speech, then offer advice on how to better interact with people based on the user’s emotional state.

The initiative is currently in beta testing, although it remains unclear whether the hardware itself or only the software is being tested. The wristband is being developed alongside new software that can separate voices from background noise. While the product may never reach the market, the vocal analysis software—patented by Amazon in 2017—could eventually be used more broadly in Alexa-based products.