Aina unveils a chunky AI ring with its own screen, joystick and microphone

Aina has unveiled an unusual smart ring designed to control AI agents and everyday apps. Unlike conventional smart rings, the device features a small screen, a joystick, a microphone and even a speaker, allowing users to send prompts to AI agents, take notes, receive notifications and make phone calls.

Rather than focusing on health tracking, Aina is pitching the ring as a wearable controller for the software and devices people already use. Its microphone lets users record notes, send prompts to AI agents, set reminders and dictate text on a Mac using Wispr Flow or Aina’s own dictation engine. The built-in speaker also allows users to take calls.

Aina is positioning the AI Ring as a compact alternative to switching between different apps and interfaces, particularly for people who regularly work with multiple AI agents.

“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,” - Apoorv Shankar, Aina's founder.

The new gadget builds on Aina’s earlier device, Mirage, a three-key controller whose shortcuts changed depending on which app was open on a Mac. For example, during a Google Meet call, users could assign buttons to toggle the camera, mute the microphone or leave the meeting. Aina has carried this context-sensitive approach over to its ring.

The AI ring will be available for preorder starting November 5 at an early-bird price of $399, rising to $499 once the introductory offer ends. Aina plans to begin shipping the device in January 2027.