Former Meta Designers Unveil Stream, a Smart Ring Blending AI and Voice Control
A new voice-based wearable has entered the growing AI hardware market. Two former Meta employees have launched Sandbar, a startup introducing a ring called Stream that captures thoughts, controls music, and interacts with AI. Designed as “a mouse for voice,” it aims to make note-taking and voice interaction more natural. The ring, worn on the dominant hand’s index finger, includes microphones and a touch pad that activates when pressed. This ensures privacy while still capturing whispers accurately through its companion iOS app.
Stream’s app allows users to record thoughts and organize them into editable notes. Additionally, the built-in AI assistant engages in conversations as you record, offering a more personal experience. The app’s interface lets users review discussions over time and adjust settings easily. Moreover, the assistant’s voice can be tuned to sound similar to the user’s, making interactions feel more natural.
Hands-Free Control and Everyday Use
When users are in public spaces, they can connect headphones to interact privately with the AI assistant. Without headphones, the ring gives haptic feedback whenever it registers a note. This tactile cue helps users manage tasks quietly, such as creating reminders or checking off a shopping list.
Beyond note-taking, Stream serves as a convenient media controller. Its flat surface can pause, play, or skip tracks and adjust volume, which becomes especially helpful when your hands are occupied. While similar functions exist in earbuds or smartwatches, the ring’s design may appeal to those who prefer discreet, quick control.
Sandbar has opened preorders for Stream, pricing the silver version at $249 and the gold version at $299. Shipping is expected to begin next summer. A Pro subscription tier, free for three months for early buyers, will later cost $10 per month. It includes unlimited chats, notes, and early access to new updates.
Privacy, Funding, and Market Challenges
The company emphasizes that users maintain full control of their data across all tiers, with encryption both in storage and during transmission. It also plans to support exports to productivity apps, ensuring flexibility and openness. Sandbar has raised $13 million from investors including True Ventures, Upfront Ventures, and Betaworks.
Investors say the demo convinced them that AI and voice interaction need a simpler form factor. They see the ring as a natural evolution in personal computing, one that complements phones rather than replaces them.
Competition in this segment remains intense, with several startups testing different wearables such as pendants, pins, or wristbands. Even though rivals like Humane, Rabbit, and Friend continue refining their devices, Sandbar hopes Stream will stand out by giving users full control and seamless interaction. Whether this new interface becomes mainstream will depend on how well it fits into people’s everyday lives.
