Resurrected Pebble maker announces a kind-of-smart ring for capturing audio notes

After nearly ten years since Pebble's smartwatch dominance faded, the brand is making a significant return with a new lineup of wearables. Among them are the Pebble Core Duo 2 and Core Time 2, which build on the company's legacy of low-power smartwatches. However, their latest offering, the Index 01, takes a bold step into uncharted territory—it's a ring designed specifically for capturing audio notes. While many smart rings on the market today provide health tracking and smartphone integrations, the Index 01 focuses solely on voice recording. The device boasts a straightforward design, featuring a Bluetooth radio, a microphone, and a long-lasting hearing aid battery, all activated by a simple physical button. To record a voice note, users just press the button, speak, and release it when finished. This simplicity eliminates the need for a smartphone or smartwatch, allowing for hands-free recording. Core Devices, the new entity behind Pebble, emphasizes that the Index 01 is crafted to be worn comfortably on the index finger, where users can easily press the button with their thumb. The tactile feedback ensures that users know when they are recording, providing peace of mind that their notes are captured accurately. The device is engineered to be 100% reliable, as it is dedicated to excelling at its single function. Unlike most smart rings that require frequent recharging, the Index 01 is designed for longevity. It can record audio for 12 to 14 hours on a single charge, which translates to approximately two years of usage if a user records 10 to 20 short notes daily. When the battery eventually depletes, users can simply return the ring for recycling, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability. With a preorder price of just $75, increasing to $99 afterward, the Index 01 offers an enticing option for those seeking a specialized audio-capturing device without the frills of conventional smart rings.