Former Meta employees launch Sandbar, a smart ring that takes voice notes and controls music

A wave of voice-driven hardware has emerged, targeting companionship, productivity, and personal development. Among the latest innovations in this realm is Stream, a smart ring developed by two former Meta employees, Mina Fahmi and Kirak Hong, who are well-versed in interface design. Dubbed "a mouse for voice," the Stream ring is designed to facilitate note-taking, interact with AI assistants, and control music—all with a simple gesture. As CEO Fahmi explained, his background in human-computer interfaces, honed at companies like Kernel and Magic Leap, laid the groundwork for this novel device. The idea for Stream was born when Fahmi struggled to capture fleeting thoughts while on the go, realizing that traditional apps could interrupt his creative flow. "When I’m walking or commuting, I don’t want to pull out my phone or shout into my earbuds to express an idea. Kirak and I aimed to develop a solution that would seamlessly capture thoughts as they arise," he shared during an interview with TechCrunch. Worn on the index finger of the dominant hand, the ring features built-in microphones and a touch-sensitive pad. During a virtual demonstration, Fahmi showcased how to record thoughts by pressing and holding the touchpad, which activates the microphone only when needed. This sensitivity allows for whisper-level transcription in the companion iOS app, making it discreet for users to capture their ideas. The Stream app integrates an AI chatbot that engages with users while they record their thoughts, allowing for organized notes that can be edited by either the user or the AI. Users can easily review their discussions over days or weeks, with the app including a personalized AI voice that resembles the user’s own. For privacy, users can wear headphones in crowded environments to converse with the assistant without drawing attention. The ring also provides haptic feedback to confirm that a note has been successfully recorded, enabling users to manage to-do lists, take notes, or check items off a grocery list quietly. Additionally, its flat surface acts as a media controller, facilitating track control and volume adjustments—ideal for moments when hands are occupied. Stream is set to launch pre-orders soon, with prices starting at $249 for the silver model and $299 for gold. Shipping is expected to commence next summer, and a subscription service will offer extended features for $10 monthly after an initial three-month trial. Fahmi emphasized Sandbar's commitment to user data privacy, ensuring full control and encryption for all data exchanges. The startup has garnered $13 million in funding from notable investors, including True Ventures and Upfront Ventures, who recognized the potential of voice and AI integration. With fierce competition in the voice-AI hardware sector, Sandbar aims to distinguish Stream as a practical tool for users to express their ideas freely, without the constraints of conventional interfaces.