Ex-Meta Team Unveils Stream: The Revolutionary Smart Ring for Voice Notes and Music Control
A raft of innovative voice-based devices is transforming the way we engage with technology, combining functionality with personal growth and companionship. Among these cutting-edge solutions are sleek card-shaped devices from Plaud and Pocket, as well as stylish pendants from Friend, Limitless, and Taya. Meanwhile, Amazon’s acquisition of Bee introduces a wristband that records your conversations. These advancements are pushing the boundaries of how we interact with our digital world.
Introducing Stream: The Next Evolution in Voice Technology
Enter Sandbar, a fresh startup founded by two former Meta employees who specialized in interface design. Their flagship product, the Stream ring, promises to be a game-changer. Dubbed "a mouse for voice," this sleek accessory enables users to take notes, engage seamlessly with AI assistants, and control their music—all at the touch of a finger.
Meet the Innovators Behind Sandbar
Sandbar’s CEO, Mina Fahmi, brings an impressive track record in designing human-computer interfaces from his tenure at Kernel and Magic Leap. Alongside him is Kirak Hong, the Chief Technology Officer, whose background includes pivotal roles at Google and CTRL-Labs. Their expertise is the foundation of a product intended to simplify how we capture ideas in our daily routines.
Image Credits: Sandbar
Reflecting on the genesis of their idea, Fahmi shared his creative journey. “When large language models emerged, I launched an experimental journaling app, but it hindered rather than helped my thought process,” he noted. This realization led them to create the Stream ring, designed to capture thoughts effortlessly when inspiration strikes.
A Thoughtful Design for Everyday Life
The Stream ring, worn on the index finger, features advanced microphones and a touchpad. In a hands-on demonstration, Fahmi showcased how users can record their thoughts simply by pressing and holding the touchpad, with a default microphone setting that activates only upon this gesture. The sensitivity and responsiveness of the microphone allow for quiet whispers to be transcribed into the accompanying iOS app. Other applications like Wispr Flow and Willow share this innovative approach to capturing thoughts discreetly.
Innovative App Capabilities
The companion app not only organizes your thoughts but also includes an AI chatbot that engages with users during note-taking. This adds a layer of interaction that sets it apart from traditional note-taking apps. Features include:
- Note organization: Keep your entries tidy and accessible.
- Conversation tracking: Review discussions over days or weeks with the option to zoom out.
- Personalization: The assistant’s voice is tailored to sound reminiscent of the user’s tone.
For those in bustling environments, headphones can be worn to maintain privacy during conversations with the assistant. Without them, the ring provides gentle haptic feedback upon successfully capturing a note, making it easy to manage tasks like adding to-do items or grocery lists while on the go.
More Than Just Notes
Beyond its voice capabilities, the Stream ring features a flat surface that serves as a media controller, enabling users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume—all with a flick of the finger. This aspect proves particularly valuable when your hands are full or when navigating through crowded spaces.
Preorder and Subscription Options
Sandbar is set to launch preorders for the Stream ring, priced at $249 for silver and $299 for gold. Shipping is expected to begin next summer. Additionally, a Pro subscription offers users unlimited chats, notes, and early access to features, starting with a three-month free trial.
User Empowerment and Data Control
Fahmi emphasized user control over personal data, ensuring encryption both in transit and at rest. He remarked, “We do not believe in walled gardens,” with plans to facilitate data exports to platforms like Notion, empowering users with flexibility.
Having raised $13 million from notable investors like True Ventures, Upfront Ventures, and Betaworks, Sandbar is positioned to make its mark in the competitive voice-AI hardware arena. Toni Schneider from True Ventures expressed his initial skepticism about AI devices, yet he recognized the potential in Sandbar’s innovative approach.
A Bright Future for AI Hardware
While challengers such as Humane and Friend are navigating their own paths, Sandbar’s mission is clear: to provide a genuine interface that allows users to articulate their thoughts, giving them unparalleled control. As the landscape of AI hardware continues to evolve, the Stream ring stands poised to carve out its unique space.
In a world where capturing inspiration promptly is essential, Sandbar invites you to explore the possibilities with the Stream ring. Are you ready to revolutionize the way you interact with your ideas? Join the journey and experience the future of personal innovation.
