Ex-Meta Employees Launch Innovative Voice-Recording Smart Ring, Stream
A new wave of voice-activated hardware is on the rise, designed to enhance companionship, productivity, and personal development. Among these advancements, former Meta employees have introduced Sandbar, a company that has developed a cutting-edge ring known as Stream. Dubbed “a mouse for voice,” the device enables users to take notes, interact with AI assistants, and control music effortlessly.
Led by CEO Mina Fahmi, who has an impressive background in human-computer interface design from companies like Kernel and Magic Leap, Sandbar aims to revolutionize how we capture thoughts digitally. CTO Kirak Hong, previously at Google and CTRL-Labs, collaborated with Fahmi during Meta’s acquisition of CTRL-Labs in 2019, which paved the way for advanced neural interface projects.
In a recent demo, Fahmi showcased the Stream ring, which is designed to be worn on the index finger of the dominant hand and features microphones alongside a touchpad. Users can record thoughts just by pressing and holding down the touchpad, activating the microphone only when needed. The sensitive microphone can capture whispers, transcribing them via a companion iOS app. Similar apps like Wispr Flow and Willow also focus on discreet thought capture.
The accompanying app includes an AI chatbot that interacts with users as they record, allowing for seamless note organization that can be edited by both users and AI. Users can easily navigate their recorded thoughts from days or weeks prior using gesture-based controls. Furthermore, the app’s personalization feature modifies the assistant’s voice to resemble that of the user.
Fahmi emphasized that the ring addresses privacy concerns; users can wear headphones in crowded environments for private conversations with the AI. Additionally, the ring vibrates to confirm note registration, enabling users to quietly manage to-do lists or jot down grocery items. The flat surface also functions as a media controller, making it easier to manage audio playback without needing to use hand-held devices.
Pre-orders for the Stream ring will commence on Wednesday, priced at $249 for the silver model and $299 for the gold variant. Shipping is expected to start next summer. A Pro subscription, initially free for the first three months for pre-order customers, will then cost $10 per month, providing unlimited notes and chat features along with early access to new functionalities.
Fahmi reassured potential users of their data security, emphasizing encryption measures and a commitment to data portability, allowing users to export their information to platforms like Notion. Sandbar has secured $13 million in funding from notable investors such as True Ventures, Upfront Ventures, and Betaworks.
Despite skepticism in the AI hardware market, with various competitors exploring similar devices, Sandbar is focused on making Stream a true interface for users to convey their thoughts effectively while retaining complete control over their data. As competition intensifies in the voice-AI hardware sector, Sandbar intends to distinguish Stream as a uniquely valuable addition compared to traditional devices like pendants or wristbands.
