Two former Meta employees launch a new AI-powered smart ring. Stream Ring is the first product from sandbank, and can be reserved now. Sandbar describes the Stream as “your extended self,” meaning it’s an intentionally minimalist smart ring that lets you take voice notes and interact directly with a chatbot using its built-in haptic microphone.
When you create a voice memo, Stream Ring uses haptic feedback to confirm that the note has been recorded. Press and hold the sensor to talk and tap it to pause and start over. It can automatically transcribe your voice interactions, whether you’re just making a shopping list on the go, asking the device to pull information from the web, or having a more casual conversation with the device. These notes will appear via Bluetooth in the Stream app, which will only be available for iOS at launch.
Sandbar believes that a ring is the best way to dress because it’s always available and accessible no matter what you’re doing, making it easier to catch a thought as soon as it strikes you. He wants people to think of the Stream ring as a “voting mouse” and says the microphone can still pick up your voice clearly in a noisy room. In short, it doesn’t always listen, it only activates when you press and hold the touchpad.
By default, the chatbot is designed to use artificial intelligence to somewhat mimic your voice, a feature Sandbar calls “Inner Voice.” You can update it if you think it’s wrong or if the whole concept scares you, you can also switch to a non-custom voice. In addition to its primary voice memo function, the Stream Ring can also be used to control media playback using gestures and is compatible with all headsets, says Sandbar.
Sandbar offers a free plan with unlimited comments, but limits interaction with the AI. For $10 per month, you can upgrade to a Stream Pro subscription (get three months free with a new purchase), which includes unlimited chats and instant access to all new features. Sandbar claims that your data is encrypted at rest and in transit and that your data is not sold to other companies. In addition, you can delete the data stored in the app at any time.
Other smart rings promise a seamless interactive experience powered by AI, and the Stream ring doesn’t follow the health monitoring path that many other products follow in this increasingly crowded space market. But if the transcription feature works as reliably as advertised, and Sandbar’s AI turns out to be a genuinely useful assistant, the Stream ring could be a useful accessory that stays on the side when not needed.
The Stream ring is available in sizes 5 to 13 and can be worn on the index finger. Sandbar promises all-day battery life, but doesn’t go into details. Delivery to the US is expected next summer and will cost $249.