A range of voice-driven gadgets has recently hit the market, aiming to enhance daily life. Among these are card-shaped devices like Pocket and Plaud, as well as pendants from companies like Friend and Taya, and a wristband from Bee, which is affiliated with Amazon. Now, two former Meta employees, Mina Fahmi and Kirak Hong, have introduced their own innovation—a smart ring named Stream through their startup, Sandbar.
Fahmi, with a solid background in designing technology interfaces, believes this ring will change how we interact with voice technology. The Stream is designed to be a convenient way to capture thoughts, making it easier than ever to jot down ideas as they come to you. This nifty device is often described as a “mouse for voice,” allowing users to take notes, interact with an AI assistant, and even control music without pausing their day.
When developing Stream, Fahmi noticed traditional apps could get in the way of capturing ideas. “I wanted something that wouldn’t interrupt my thought process,” he shared in a recent TechCrunch interview. The design is simple: just wear it on your index finger and press a touchpad to start recording. The microphone remains off until you activate it with a gesture. This means you can quietly capture your thoughts, even in public spaces.
Early reviews highlight the ring’s capabilities. It contains a sensitive microphone that can pick up whispers and transcribe them using its companion app. With features similar to other productivity apps like Wispr Flow, users can compile notes and thoughts seamlessly. Interestingly, the app also includes an AI chatbot that assists users as they record, helping them organize their thoughts over time.
In a world flooded with tech, the Stream ring is not just about voice functions. It also doubles as a media controller—handy when you’re on the go. Whether you’re listening to music or catching up on a podcast, this feature could enhance your experience without the need to pull out your phone.
Pricing starts at $249 for the silver ring and $299 for gold, with pre-orders opening soon. A subscription service offers unlimited features for $10 monthly after a three-month free trial. Importantly, Fahmi has promised users control over their data, emphasizing encryption and flexibility in integrating with other apps like Notion.
Despite its potential, the road ahead is challenging. AI-enhanced hardware has yet to truly catch on, facing stiff competition from other devices that may offer similar functionalities. Industry expert Toni Schneider of True Ventures echoed this sentiment, voicing initial skepticism about AI devices but finding promise in the Stream ring after seeing its demo.
As the demand for voice technology grows, user reactions show a mixture of excitement and skepticism. Some consumers are eager for innovative solutions, while others question whether another gadget can genuinely add value. For the Stream to succeed, it must not just match current offerings but provide a distinct advantage over everything else on the market.
In a landscape where technology is evolving rapidly, Sandbar’s Stream ring could be a step forward. With the right features and user engagement, it might just redefine how we manage our thoughts in a busy world.
