A new Bluetooth ring being promoted in a recent Kickstarter campaign could be a major productivity tool. That includes for the small business owner on the go during those times when it’s not convenient or appropriate to pull out your smartphone.
By syncing with apps on your mobile device, Ring can perform a variety of distinct functions. And all these functions can be activated by a few swipes of your finger — like magic.
In a recent post on Mashable, Andario Strange writes:
“By recognizing finger gestures, Ring allows the wearer to write text messages by simply drawing in the air. The same dynamic allows the wearer to access apps by drawing designated shapes in the air. For example, drawing a music note could access your music player, while drawing an envelope shape would allow you to access your email.”
Ring can control appliances and other devices too.
In the promotional video below, a person writes “TV” in midair with their Ring finger and turns on the television in the room.
Ring can also send texts. After writing out a message in midair (as mentioned above), you can make a gesture to send the message, too.
Digital payments with a wave of your hand are another option with Ring. A few gestures in midair with your ring finger, including writing out how much you’re going to pay, will allow you to remit a payment using the device’s Bluetooth feature. Ring also has a vibration and LED display to alert you of incoming messages and alerts.
Gestures with your finger using Ring can activate a wide variety of functions. Up to 1,000 of these gestures can be made before the device requires recharging. Ring does have one glaring shortfall, however, Mashable reports:
“The only obvious shortcoming of the device at this point is that fact that it’s not waterproof. That could turn into a problem for those attempting to use Ring in mobile environments during bad weather, or even inside the home, say, if you forget you have Ring on when you go to wash your hands.”
The Kickstarter campaign for Ring, created by Logbar Inc., San Carlos, California has been highly successful. To date, the device has more than 3,900 backers and has raised more than $600,000 well over its $250,000 goal.
Images: Video Stills
Aira Bongco
They always start with a hefty price, don’t they? I am going to wait until the price goes down. I can see the value of this ring and how it is can be considered more ‘high tech’ than touch screens. The all-in-one feature is also very attractive.
Where did you see the price mentioned, Aira?
I looked on the Kickstarter page and it’s $165-$185 per ring (via donation). Not sure if it’ll be a similar price when it goes out on the market, but for that price, I think it’s reasonable for something that cool and unique.
Joshua Sophy
You’re right. I think that’s a pretty fair price when it’s first released. However, I’m more inclined to think like Aira … I’ll wait until it comes down to $100 or so before I consider it.
Joshua: I hear you. It’ll be interesting to see how much it actually goes on sale for – whether it’ll be higher or lower than the $165-$185 mark.
Was also thinking: I wonder if a company will try and buy them out. Just a thought. Random, I know.
This is incredible, working in the telecommunication business is always exciting and full of innovation. The possibilities sound endless for this. I’m curious to see how much this will be able to do.
Oh my God! That is soooo cool! Makes me think of magic! Actually makes me smile. It’s child-like. Clever.
I also like that it’s silver. I’m guessing it comes in different widths to fit a range of finger sizes.
Jordie
Reviews for the product so far suggest that it rarely works as well as advertised. Unfortunately 🙁