Like the idea of technology that wraps around a body part, displays the time and connects to your smartphone? No, we aren't talking about a smartwatch, but the "Smarty Ring" which may offer an even more subtle way to stay connected.
Joining the likes of the Ring Clock, the Genius wireless ring mouse and the NFC Ring in the functional fingerwear department, the Smarty Ring connects to iOS or Android devices (provided they are Bluetooth 4.0 enabled), allowing for call notifications, text and e-mail alerts, along with real time updates from Facebook, Twitter, Google Hangout and Skype.
A 13 mm (0.5 in) wide and 4 mm (0.16 in) thick stainless steel body forms the band of the ring, which is waterproof and comes in sizes ranging from 15.7 mm (0.62 in) to 23.8 mm (0.94 in) in diameter. Buttons on the outer side of the ring can be used to accept or reject incoming calls, control music playback and trigger the connected phone's camera.
It is powered by a 22 mAh battery, which the company says will afford it a 24 hour battery life. To recharge, the Smarty Ring comes accompanied by a wireless charging dock with space for two rings and a smartphone.
The ring is customized through a smartphone application, which allows users to keep an eye on five different time zones, adjust the brightness of the LED display, adjust the volume of the ring's beeper, and assign buttons for speed dial. It could also prove useful in preventing theft and lost devices, alerting users when their phone is more than 30 m (98 ft) away from them – even when the phone is in silent mode.
At the time of writing, the Smarty Ring has surpassed its funding goal of US$40,000 on Indiegogo, amassing over $120,000 with the campaign drawing to a close at midnight on December 11, 2013. The company is offering the Smarty Ring for a $175 pledge with shipping estimated for April 2014.
Source: Gizmag
