Aina Launches $399 AI Smart Ring With Screen and Joystick

Hardware startup Aina has introduced a new smart ring designed to make controlling AI agents and everyday digital devices easier. Unlike traditional smart rings that mainly focus on health tracking, Aina’s device includes a display, joystick, microphone, and speaker, allowing users to interact with AI tools, manage notifications, take notes, and even make phone calls.

The company is opening preorders at an early-bird price of $399. The device is expected to begin shipping in January 2027. After the early-bird offer ends, its price will increase to $499.

Aina raised $5.5 million in July and is positioning the ring as a compact controller for both AI-powered and traditional applications.

From Mac Controller to AI Smart Ring

Aina previously developed Mirage, a three-key controller designed to work with different applications on a Mac. Users could assign specific actions to its keys depending on the software they were using.

For example, during a Google Meet call, the keys could be configured to switch the camera on or off, mute or unmute the microphone, or leave the meeting.

The company has applied some of those ideas to its new AI ring, expanding the concept into a wearable device with more controls and functionality.

The ring’s built-in microphone allows users to take notes, send prompts to AI agents, set reminders, and dictate text on a Mac. It works with Wispr Flow as well as Aina’s own dictation engine.

A Screen, Speaker and Joystick Set It Apart

Several smart rings already offer voice-based interactions and AI-related features, including Pebble Index 01, Sandbar Stream, Oasis, and Natura. Aina is trying to differentiate its product by offering more ways to interact with devices.

The ring includes a small screen that displays phone notifications and shows which applications the user is controlling. Its speaker also allows users to take calls directly through the wearable.

For navigation, users can operate a joystick or use gestures to trigger different actions based on what is displayed on their Mac or phone.

Beyond AI interactions, the ring can control music and smart home devices, including Apple TV.

Can It Replace Everyday Devices?

Early hands-on experience suggests the ring feels like a smartwatch packed into a smaller form factor, with additional controls. Users can receive notifications, respond to messages, view upcoming meetings, and access services such as Uber to arrange a ride.

It can also serve as a backup remote for devices such as Apple TV. However, using the dedicated Apple TV remote may still be more convenient in many situations.

Some of the ring’s software and features are still under development, making it difficult to determine how naturally it will fit into everyday routines. Its strongest appeal may be among people who regularly use multiple digital devices and AI applications.

“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,” founder Apoorv Shankar told TechCrunch.

AI Hardware Companies Look Beyond Traditional Screens

Aina is entering a growing market of companies developing dedicated hardware for people who want to work with AI agents more directly.

OpenAI has experimented with a specialized keyboard, while Rabbit has also explored positioning its hardware as a controller for AI-powered interactions.

The broader idea is that as more people begin using multiple AI agents, they may need dedicated devices to manage conversations, monitor activity, and trigger actions without constantly switching between apps.

Aina’s smart ring is built around that vision. Whether users will adopt another wearable alongside their phones and smartwatches remains to be seen.

Preorders begin Thursday at $399, with shipping planned for January 2027. The regular price will be $499 once the early-bird pricing period ends.

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