Aina Launches $399 AI Smart Ring With Screen, Joystick and Mic

Hardware startup Aina has introduced a new smart ring designed to make interacting with AI agents and everyday digital applications easier. Unlike traditional smart rings that mainly focus on health tracking and notifications, Aina’s latest device comes with a screen, joystick, microphone and built-in speaker, giving users several ways to control their digital tools without constantly reaching for their phones or laptops.

Priced at $399 during its early-bird pre-order period, the ring is designed to handle tasks such as talking to AI agents, recording notes, setting reminders and even making phone calls. The company plans to begin shipping the device in January 2027.

Aina is positioning the product as a compact controller for both AI-powered and traditional applications. The startup previously developed Mirage, a three-key controller that allowed Mac users to assign shortcuts based on the application displayed on their screens.

For example, during a Google Meet meeting, users could configure its buttons to switch their camera on or off, mute or unmute their microphone, or leave the meeting. With its new smart ring, Aina is bringing a similar idea into a much smaller and more wearable device.

A Smart Ring Built Around AI Interaction

The new product, simply called the “AI ring,” uses its built-in microphone to let users interact with AI agents through voice commands. Users can record notes, send prompts to agents, create reminders and dictate text directly on their Macs.

The device also supports third-party tools such as Wispr Flow, along with Aina’s own dictation engine. This makes it useful for people who regularly work with AI applications and want a quicker way to give commands or capture information.

However, voice interaction is not the only feature that separates Aina’s ring from other products in the category.

The device includes a small display that shows smartphone notifications and provides information about the applications currently being controlled. Its built-in speaker also allows users to take calls directly through the ring.

A joystick handles navigation, while gesture support allows users to trigger different actions depending on what is displayed on their Mac or smartphone screens. The ring can also control music playback and connected smart home devices, including Apple TV.

A Different Approach to the Smart Ring Market

Aina is entering a growing market that already includes devices such as Pebble Index 01, Sandbar Stream, Oasis and Natura. These products are also exploring ways to make voice-based interactions, note-taking and digital assistance easier through wearable hardware.

By combining voice commands with physical controls, a display and a speaker, Aina is attempting to offer something beyond the usual smart ring experience.

Early hands-on impressions suggest that the device feels somewhat like a smartwatch packed into a ring, with additional controls for digital applications. It can display notifications, allow users to respond to them and show upcoming meetings. It can even help users request an Uber ride when they need transportation.

The ring has also demonstrated practical uses for controlling entertainment devices. While using an Apple TV’s original remote may be more convenient, the Aina ring can serve as an alternative when the remote is unavailable.

However, some of its software and features are still under development. This makes it difficult to determine exactly how naturally the device will fit into everyday routines. For now, its main audience appears to be people who regularly use multiple digital devices and AI applications.

Aina Wants to Build a Better Interface for AI Agents

Aina believes existing devices were designed primarily for an era when people opened individual applications to complete tasks. The company sees a different future emerging as AI agents become more proactive and handle more work on behalf of users.

“Phones and laptop screens were designed for an age of browsing where you think about opening apps. For interacting with proactive agents, we need a better interface, and that is what we had in mind while designing Aina,” Aina founder Apoorv Shankar told TechCrunch.

The company’s approach reflects a wider trend in the technology industry. Hardware companies are increasingly experimenting with dedicated devices aimed at programmers, AI enthusiasts and people who regularly work with multiple AI agents.

OpenAI’s experimental keyboard and Rabbit’s efforts to position its hardware as a controller are other examples of this direction. The broader idea is that as people begin using several AI agents simultaneously, they may need dedicated hardware to monitor and manage those digital assistants.

Pricing and Availability

Aina’s AI ring will be available for pre-order starting Thursday, with an early-bird price of $399. After the promotional pricing period ends, the device will cost $499.

The company expects to begin shipping the ring in January 2027.

With its combination of voice interaction, physical controls, notifications and AI integration, Aina is betting that wearable hardware can become a more practical way to interact with digital assistants. Whether consumers will adopt a dedicated ring for managing AI agents remains to be seen, particularly as the software experience continues to develop.

Also read : TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Kicks Off Today in Boston at 9 AM ET