Oura's competitor, Sandbar, raises $13M to launch Stream, a voice-controlled smart ring
A new wave of voice-driven devices is transforming how we record our thoughts and interact with technology. From pendants to pocket cards, these gadgets promise seamless communication and productivity. But Sandbar, founded by two former Meta engineers, is taking a more personal approach, putting innovation at your fingertips.
Turning conversation into interaction
Sandbar's debut product, Stream, is a sleek ring designed to make technology feel as natural as thought itself. Dubbed "a mouse for voice," the ring captures notes, interacts with assistants, and controls media with simple gestures. Worn on the dominant index finger, it features built-in microphones and a touchpad, activating only when pressed, ensuring privacy and intent.
During a demo, CEO Mina Fahmi demonstrated how pressing and holding the touchpad lets users quietly record ideas. Even whispers are transcribed into its companion iOS app with surprising accuracy. Stream's minimalist activation style avoids constant listening, an indication of the growing demand for privacy in wearable tech.
A bridge between thought and action
Fahmi, a veteran in human-computer interfaces with stints at Kernel and Magic Leap, drew inspiration from his own journaling struggles. His experimental app felt like an obstacle to spontaneous thought. The solution is to build hardware that listens only when you want it to.
Stream's interface feels almost conversational. Its AI companion engages with users as they speak, helping refine notes, create to-dos, or organize reflections. With features like pinch-to-zoom navigation, users can easily review discussions spanning days or weeks. Adding a personal touch, the assistant's voice is tuned to sound slightly like the user's own.
For moments when privacy matters, headphones allow for quiet exchanges, while haptic vibrations confirm recorded inputs. Whether noting ideas on a morning walk or checking off a grocery list mid-commute, Stream feels designed for fluid, everyday use.
Design meets trust and simplicity
Beyond voice capture, Stream's surface doubles as a music controller handy when your hands are full or while in transit. Its pricing starts at $249 for the silver model and $299 for gold, with preorders now open and shipping expected next summer. A Pro subscription tier offers extended features for $10 a month, following a free three-month trial.
With $13 million in funding from True Ventures, Upfront Ventures, and Betaworks, Sandbar is well-positioned to carve a niche in wearable interfaces. Importantly, Fahmi emphasizes data control, encryption across all tiers, and easy exports to apps like Notion.
