At the end of 2025, tech giant Meta announced the official acquisition of Limitless, a wearable AI device manufacturer. Founded just five years ago, this startup completed the typical growth cycle in the AI hardware sector: “launch – viral success – acquisition.” Dan Siroker, CEO of Limitless, stated that both parties share the common vision of “empowering everyone with a personal superintelligence” and will join forces to advance the development of AI wearable devices.
Following the acquisition, Limitless will cease sales of many of its existing products, including the blockbuster AI Pendant, but will provide technical support for current Pendant users for at least one year. The official also rolled out a series of adjustments to user benefits: users no longer need to pay subscription fees and can upgrade to the Unlimited plan for free; meanwhile, the meeting recording functions of Limitless Desktop and Web apps will be disabled, and the Rewind app service will be gradually terminated. Regarding data privacy, users are required to agree to the updated privacy policy and terms of service, and can freely export or delete all personal data.
Product Highlights: A Minimalist AI Assistant Focused on Audio
As Limitless’ flagship product, Pendant became a global hit with its precise positioning and practical functions, selling over 20,000 units shortly after its launch, with most users coming from China and the United States. Dubbed a “simplified version of AI Pin,” this device abandons complex configurations such as laser ink screens and cameras, focusing instead on recording and AI-derived features, boasting distinct core strengths.
In terms of hardware design, Pendant embodies “intelligent minimalism.” With a compact size of 31.9mm in width and 16mm in thickness, paired with a U-shaped clip and magnetic fixing design, it is flexible and convenient to wear. Its 100-hour long battery life effectively addresses the battery anxiety common in similar devices. Functionally, equipped with a built-in LLM (Large Language Model), Pendant offers three core capabilities: “Transcription – Notes – Summary,” enabling real-time conversation recording and structured content generation, while ensuring clear audio capture even in crowded environments. Additionally, the device supports standalone use via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and is equipped with physical function keys and a recording indicator light, balancing usability with privacy reminders.
Personalized service is another advantage of Pendant. It can provide tailored recommendations based on users’ past experiences and contextual needs. Moreover, it achieves a balance between functional experience and data security through three layers of protection: “recording indicator light,” “third-party consent mode,” and “confidential cloud storage.” Priced at $99, it also offers significant cost-performance compared to similar products.
Market Controversy: Privacy Concerns and Refund Demands Take Center Stage
The acquisition announcement sparked divided reactions among netizens. While some offered congratulations, more expressed concerns due to Meta’s troubled history with privacy issues, and many paying users directly demanded refunds. A UK user commented that they spent nearly $300 on an annual Limitless Pro subscription in September, only to have the service unilaterally terminated, calling for a refund—an appeal that garnered widespread support.
From an industry perspective, Pendant’s success confirms the feasibility of the “focus on a single point and excel at it” strategy in AI hardware. In this latest AI news, Limitless’ acquisition underscores the harsh reality of the AI hardware sector: although startups can win market acclaim with innovative products, they struggle to sustain independent development amid high R&D costs, complex supply chain management, and a lengthy market education cycle. Against the backdrop of tech giants competing to layout AI wearable devices, the industry rule of “either become a giant or be acquired by one” has been validated once again.
