Aina opens preorders for $399 smart ring with screen and joystick

In short: Aina has announced a $399 smart ring with a screen, a joystick, and a microphone to control apps and talk to AI agents.

What happened

Aina, a hardware startup, released details of a new “AI ring” that it says can act like a controller for apps on your phone and computer. It includes a tiny screen for notifications, a joystick for navigation, a microphone for speaking, and a speaker for taking calls.

The company says you can use the ring to do things like take quick notes, set reminders, and dictate text to a Mac. Dictation means talking out loud and having your words turned into typed text (like speech-to-text). Aina said it works with Wispr Flow or Aina’s own dictation system.

Aina is entering a market that already has other note taking and AI focused rings, including Pebble Index 01, Sandbar Stream, Oasis, and Natura. Aina’s pitch is that its ring has more built-in controls, especially the screen and joystick, and can also show which apps you are controlling.

Preorders start Thursday at an early-bird price of $399. Aina plans to start shipping in January 2027. The company raised $5.5 million in July, according to the report.

Why it matters

Some people now use “AI agents,” which are AI helpers that can do small tasks for you across apps (like a digital assistant that can handle more steps). Aina is betting that as people juggle more devices and AI tools, they will want a simpler way to check in and approve actions, like using a TV remote when you do not want to pick up your phone.

Source: TechCrunch AI