Ring is a gesture control device that, as you might expect, fits on your finger. It’s a bit chunkier than typical jewelry, but then again most jewelry can’t let you write out a text message in mid-air just by wiggling your finger.
The development team at Logbar says Ring has four main features. First up is gesture control to send commands to other connected devices. A gesture can be created by drawing the desired pattern on the screen in a smartphone app (try it here), and setting a rule. Then users touch a sensor on the side of the ring to activate it, and sketch the gesture in the air to execute the command.
Just don’t make your gestures look too much like a letter, because Ring already has the ability to write text. You’ll have to retrain yourself to draw the letters in the way required by the “Ring Font,” which is sort of a hybrid between print and cursive handwriting. Ring has LEDs and vibration that can be configured for alerts and notifications, and there’s also a mobile payment feature.
Ring uses Bluetooth Low Energy to connect while saving battery life, and the developers estimate a single charge of the built-in battery will power about 1,000 gestures. That might be enough for basic gesture controls throughout the day, but seems low for anyone who wants to use the device for frequent texting — 1,000 characters is about the length of this article so far.
As Ring moves closer to production, Logbar plans to release SDKs for iOS and Android and a Javascript API for developers. Like the Myo armband, the most exciting and immersive uses for Ring will probably be controlling games and interactive apps, or even robot or drones.
Ring will come in six sizes and should be available this summer. Visit the Kickstarter page to track its development.
Related: IoT Mashup #001: Armband controllers, NFC Ring