Compagnon launches a connected speaker with an AI assistant for children

Compagnon, a French start-up, has introduced a connected speaker featuring an AI assistant developed specifically for children.

As AI becomes increasingly widespread, Compagnon is bringing out a product aimed directly at younger users. It is a screen-free smart speaker with an AI assistant designed for children, particularly those aged between 8 and 12. The start-up’s aim is to create a connected device that nurtures children’s curiosity without digital overstimulation, while providing no display and suitable safeguards.

Compagnon AI assistant for children

The AI’s answers are tailored to the child’s age, while parents can oversee use of the product through a mobile app. For sensitive questions, such as “how are babies made?”, the AI directs children to their parents. The start-up presents Compagnon as a way to discover the world, including history, nature and culture, as well as a tool for school support and relaxation through personalised stories and audio games, for instance.

Compagnon will be available before Christmas

The Compagnon speaker is currently available to pre-order for €89.90. The start-up also includes one month of free subscription access, after which the service costs €9.90 per month. Alongside its highly child-focused experience, the company highlights that the product is designed in France. Its data is hosted in France and protected under the GDPR.

Parental controls on the Compagnon app

Compagnon founder Grégoire Véron says he created the product to “offer children a path to discovery and knowledge, free from distraction (through voice alone)”. Through the parental-control app, parents can view conversation history, set limits on usage time and even select the subjects that can be explored.