Aina, a hardware startup, has launched a smart ring equipped with a screen, joystick, and microphone, allowing users to interact with AI agents and take notes. Priced at $399, the ring also includes a speaker for making calls. The company, which secured $5.5 million in funding in July, is marketing the device as a versatile controller for both AI and non-AI applications.

Previously, Aina developed Mirage, a three-key controller that enabled users to trigger app-specific functions on their Mac screens. For example, during a Google Meet call, users could assign keys to toggle the camera, mute or unmute the microphone, or leave the meeting. Drawing on insights from that product, Aina created the new device, simply named "AI ring."

Using the ring's microphone, users can take notes, send prompts to agents, set reminders, and dictate notes on their Mac through Wispr Flow or the startup's own dictation engine.

The market already includes smart rings with similar capabilities, such as the Pebble Index 01, Sandbar Stream, Oasis, and Natura. To differentiate itself, Aina has packed additional controls and features into its ring. The built-in speaker enables call functionality, while the screen displays phone notifications and shows which apps are being controlled. A joystick handles navigation, and gesture support allows the device to trigger different actions based on what appears on a Mac or phone screen. The ring can also control music and smart home devices like Apple TV.

After using the ring for several days, it feels like a smartwatch condensed into ring form with extra controls. I could receive and reply to notifications, view my meetings, and even call an Uber to get home. While the Apple TV remote is easier to use on its own, the Aina ring proved handy the couple of times I misplaced the remote. That said, much of the software and features are still being refined, making it difficult to determine where such a device would fit into my daily routine. Still, it clearly targets people who are surrounded by digital devices and AI applications.

"Phones and laptop screens were designed for an age of browsing where you think about opening apps. Companies are trying to cater to programmers and AI enthusiasts with specialized hardware that could help them harness different agents." This includes OpenAI's experimental keyboard and Rabbit's efforts to position itself as a controller. The hope behind such hardware is that enough people will have multiple agents running to justify investing in specific gadgets for monitoring them.

Aina's ring becomes available for pre-order starting Thursday at an early-bird price of $399, with shipping planned for January 2027. After the early-bird period ends, the ring will be priced at $499.