Ring is a new wearable tech device that provides a full control mechanism simply through finger gestures – and not the ones you’re probably thinking of! As wearable tech is growing in popularity, the technology that comes with these devices is constantly developing and getting smaller in size. Now, we might be able to control almost anything from a ring on our index finger. Set to launch this summer, Ring has four key features:

Gesture control

You can control home appliances and apps through gestures. Each unique gesture will relate to a single appliance or app and these gestures can also be customised using the Ring app.

Text transmission

Ring even has its own font, so you can ‘type’ by drawing letters in the air. Text transmission can be used for social networking, sending texts and even changing TV channel.

Payment

Ring allows you to settle payment, yes you guessed it, through a single gesture.

Alert function

Built-in vibration and LEDs allows the user to detect incoming alerts.

Ring could be a great device for those with impaired mobility or communication and it is also compatible with smart watches and Google Glass, giving it even more uses.

However, along with its bulky design, Ring is not waterproof and its battery is not replaceable. The practicality of writing an email or text by drawing letters in the air might also be questioned, surely it’s still much quicker to type and it will save you the odd looks you might get in public. It seems those already kitted out with tech devices will get the best out of Ring, how many of us currently have interactive light switches in our homes?

As awesome as this technology sounds, I hope it doesn’t just become another wearable that is soon dropped once the novelty wears off.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

Sources

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1761670738/ring-shortcut-everything

http://logbar.jp/ring/