Hardware startup Aina has released a smart ring featuring a screen, a joystick, and a microphone designed to let users talk to AI agents and take notes. Priced at $399, the ring also includes a built-in speaker that allows users to take phone calls directly through the device.
Controlling Both AI and Non-AI Applications
The startup, which raised $5.5 million in July, positions the ring as a controller for a wide range of applications. The company previously developed Mirage, a three-key controller that mapped buttons to specific actions based on the active app on a Mac screen, such as toggling a camera or muting a microphone during a Google Meet call.
Building on Lessons From Previous Hardware
Drawing on the insights gained from that earlier device, Aina developed the new wearable, simply referred to as the AI ring. The built-in microphone enables users to dictate notes, dispatch prompts to agents, establish reminders, and transcribe thoughts on a Mac using Wispr Flow or the company's proprietary dictation engine.
Navigating Competition in the Smart Ring Market
The market already features several competing smart rings that perform similar functions, including the Pebble Index 01, Sandbar Stream, Oasis, and Natura. To stand out, Aina added a screen for viewing phone notifications and tracking active app controls, along with a speaker for audio calls.
Joystick Navigation and Gesture Support
For seamless navigation, the device incorporates a physical joystick and supports custom gestures that trigger different actions depending on what is displayed on a connected Mac or phone screen. Users can also manage music playback and control smart home ecosystems like Apple TV.
Targeting the Growing AI Hardware Ecosystem
Aina founder Apoorv Shankar noted that traditional phone and laptop screens were built for an era of manual app browsing, whereas proactive AI agents demand an entirely new interface approach. Other firms are similarly targeting developers and enthusiasts with specialized hardware, such as OpenAI's experimental keyboard and Rabbit's hardware controller.
Pricing and Availability Timeline
Pre-orders for the Aina ring open on Thursday at an early-bird price of $399, with official shipments scheduled to begin in January 2027. Once the introductory period concludes, the retail price will increase to $499.
