Aina’s smart ring has a screen, a joystick, and a mic so you can talk to AI agents

The Aina ring offers a new way to interact with AI agents beyond a phone or computer screen.

Hardware startup Aina has launched a new smart ring designed to act as a controller for AI agents and other applications. Priced at $399 during an early-bird preorder period, shipping in January 2027, the ring features a small screen, a joystick, a microphone for voice commands, and a speaker for taking calls. Aina, which previously developed a multi-key controller called Mirage, aims to provide a more intuitive interface for interacting with proactive AI agents and various digital devices. The ring can be used for tasks such as taking notes, setting reminders, dictating messages, controlling smart home devices, and managing media playback. It also displays notifications and allows for quick replies, functioning similarly to a smartwatch in a ring form factor. The company has raised $5.5 million to date and is positioning the ring as a solution for users who manage multiple AI applications and digital tools.

Aina's smart ring directly addresses the emerging need for more specialized hardware interfaces as AI agents become more proactive and integrated into daily workflows. By incorporating a screen, joystick, microphone, and speaker, Aina is attempting to consolidate control over multiple AI functionalities and standard device interactions into a single, wearable form factor. This move by Aina, alongside other companies like OpenAI and Rabbit, signals a growing market segment focused on dedicated hardware for AI management, suggesting a future where users may invest in gadgets to streamline interactions with their various digital assistants and applications.

The introduction of a physical controller for AI agents, especially one as compact as a ring, could significantly alter how users engage with technology, potentially reducing reliance on complex menu navigation or voice-only commands. For consumers who find themselves juggling numerous AI services, this device offers a tangible solution for quicker access and control. The success of the Aina ring will likely depend on its ability to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of AI platforms and its utility beyond niche AI enthusiast use cases, setting a precedent for future wearable interfaces in an increasingly AI-driven world.