Aina, which raised $5.5M, launches an "AI ring" with a screen, joystick, and mic to let users talk to their AI agents, take notes, control Apple TV, and more

A new smart ring offers a physical interface for interacting with AI agents, potentially simplifying complex digital workflows. If you use multiple AI tools, this device could streamline your access to them. This device launches at $399.

Hardware startup Aina has launched a $399 smart ring featuring a screen, joystick, and microphone, designed for interacting with AI agents and controlling various devices. The ring allows users to talk to AI, take notes, send prompts, dictate messages, and even take calls via its built-in speaker. Aina, which previously developed a multi-key controller, has integrated lessons learned into this new device, aiming to provide a better interface for proactive AI agents. The smart ring also offers functionality for controlling music, smart home devices like Apple TV, and receiving/replying to phone notifications. Pre-orders begin this Thursday, with shipping planned for January 2027. After an early-bird period, the price will increase to $499.

Aina's launch, following a $5.5 million funding round, signals a growing market for specialized hardware aimed at enhancing AI interaction beyond traditional screens. The company's focus on a ring format with a screen and joystick suggests a move towards more integrated, wearable interfaces for managing multiple AI agents, positioning itself against competitors like OpenAI's experimental keyboard and Rabbit's controller. The device's ability to control non-AI apps and smart home devices further expands its utility, aiming to consolidate control into a single, discreet wearable. The product's success will depend on its ability to offer a truly seamless and intuitive experience that justifies its price point against existing smartwatches and phone interfaces.

This product launch highlights a potential shift in how consumers will interact with their digital environments, moving from app-centric browsing to agent-centric control. The ring's functionality, such as dictation, note-taking, and AI prompting, addresses the need for more immediate and accessible input methods for increasingly proactive AI systems. By integrating these capabilities into a wearable form factor, Aina is attempting to create a new category of device that bridges the gap between a smartphone and dedicated AI hardware, catering to users who manage numerous digital assistants and applications throughout their day.