Meta Alumni Develop Voice-Commanded Device for Note-Taking and Music Control

Sandbar’s ‘Stream‘ Ring Aims to Redefine Voice Interaction with AI

A growing number of voice-activated devices are entering the market, designed for companionship, boosting productivity, or personal development. These include devices like the card-shaped Plaud and Pocket,pendants from Friend,Limitless,and Taya,and the Amazon-acquired Bee wristband. Now, Sandbar, a startup founded by former Meta employees, is joining the fray with Stream, a ring intended to serve as a hands-free, voice-controlled interface.

A New Interface: The Stream Ring

Sandbar, led by Chief Executive Officer Mina fahmi and Chief Technology Officer Kirak Hong, unveiled Stream, a ring designed to capture thoughts and manage tasks through voice commands. The company positions the device as “a mouse for voice,” allowing users to take notes, interact with AI assistants, and control music playback, all without reaching for a smartphone.

Fahmi, whose background includes design roles at Kernel and Magic Leap, explained the inspiration behind Stream. He recounted building a journaling application and discovering that the act of using the app itself interrupted the flow of thought. This realization sparked the idea of a more seamless, conversational interface.

“I found that a lot of my ideas surfaced during activities like walking or commuting. I didn’t want to interrupt those moments by pulling out my phone, nor did I want to speak aloud in public,” Fahmi stated.”Kirak and I focused on developing a solution for capturing ideas the moment they arise, which led to the creation of Stream.”

How Stream Works

the Stream ring, designed to be worn on the index finger of a user’s dominant hand, features integrated microphones and a touch-sensitive pad. A exhibition revealed that pressing and holding the touchpad activates the microphone, which remains off by default to ensure privacy.The microphone demonstrated an impressive ability to capture even whispered speech,transcribing it directly into a companion iOS application.

The accompanying application includes an AI chatbot capable of engaging in conversation as the user records their thoughts,offering a unique interactive experience. Users can organise notes, edit content with assistance from the AI, and even review recordings over extended periods. Sandbar has personalized the assistant’s voice to subtly mimic the user’s own.

Stream also offers hands-free convenience in crowded environments. Users can pair the ring with headphones for private conversations with the AI assistant. Without headphones, the device delivers haptic feedback to confirm successful recording. This allows for discreet note-taking,to-do list management,and grocery list updates.

Beyond voice functionality, the ring’s flat surface serves as a media controller, enabling users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume. This feature could be particularly useful during activities where accessing customary controls is inconvenient.

Availability and Pricing

Pre-orders for Stream opened on Wednesday, with the silver version priced at $249 and the gold version at $299. Sandbar intends to commence shipping orders next summer. A Pro subscription, available for free for the first three months for pre-order customers, will then cost $10 per month and offer unlimited access to chats, notes, and early access to new features.

Sandbar prioritizes user data security, guaranteeing full control over data at all subscription levels, including encryption both in transit and at rest. The company also plans to support data exports to platforms like Notion.

The startup has secured $13 million in funding from investors including True Ventures,Upfront Ventures,and Betaworks.

Toni Schneider, a partner at True Ventures, expressed initial skepticism toward AI devices but was impressed by Stream’s capabilities. He highlighted the convenience of voice interaction without the need for a phone or laptop, emphasizing the potential for a new form factor.

Competition and the Future of AI Hardware

The voice-AI hardware market is increasingly competitive, with multiple companies exploring ring-based designs. While Sandbar aims for a non-intrusive interface focused on idea capture, other players like Humane (acquired by HP), Rabbit, and Friend are navigating challenges in user engagement and market acceptance.

According to Statista, the global smart wearable market is projected to reach $98.89 billion in 2024,showing continued growth and innovation in this space.

Device	Form Factor	Key Features	Price (approx.)
Plaud	Card	AI Note-taking	$179
Friend	pendant	AI Companion	Variable
Stream (Sandbar)	Ring	Voice Control, AI Assistant, Media Control	$249 – $299

Will Stream succeed where others have struggled? What do you think is the key to truly unlocking the potential of AI hardware?

The Evolution of Voice-Activated Technology

Voice-activated technology has come a long way since the early days of Siri and Google Assistant. Advancements in machine learning and natural language processing have made these systems more accurate and responsive. The shift towards wearable devices offers a more natural and convenient way to interact with these technologies, eliminating the need for constant screen interaction.

The market for AI-powered wearables is expected to grow significantly in the coming years,driven by increasing consumer demand for hands-free convenience and personalized experiences. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and intuitive devices to emerge, transforming the way we interact with the digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stream

• What is the primary function of the Stream ring? The Stream ring primarily functions as a voice-activated interface for capturing thoughts, interacting with an AI assistant, and controlling media.
• How does Stream ensure user privacy? Stream features a microphone that remains off until activated by a intentional touch gesture, and data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
• What is the difference between the silver and gold Stream ring options? The primary difference is the material and associated price point, with the gold version being more expensive.
• What does the Pro subscription offer? The Pro subscription provides unlimited access to AI chat and note-taking features, along with early access to new functionalities.
• Is Stream compatible with all smartphones? Currently, Stream is compatible with iOS devices and has a companion app available for download.
• How does Sandbar plan to differentiate Stream from other AI wearables? Sandbar focuses on providing a discreet and intuitive interface for capturing ideas, prioritizing user control and privacy.
• What is the future vision for Stream and Sandbar’s technology? Sandbar intends to continue developing enhancements to its AI capabilities, data export options, and overall user experience.

Share this article with your network and let us know your thoughts – do you see a future for voice-activated rings?

What specific advancements from the Oculus VR ecosystem directly influenced Aura’s note-taking capabilities?

The Genesis of “Aura”: From Meta Innovation to Self-reliant Venture

A team of former Meta (formerly Facebook) engineers and designers, leveraging their experience from projects within the Oculus division – including advancements in voice recognition and spatial audio – have unveiled “Aura,” a groundbreaking voice-commanded device focused on streamlining note-taking and music control. The core team, led by ex-Oculus software architect Jian Li and design lead Anya Sharma, officially launched the project on November 5th, 2025, after a year in stealth growth. This new device aims to bridge the gap between the convenience of voice assistants and the focused productivity demanded by professionals and students.

Core Functionality: Note-Taking Reimagined

aura isn’t just another voice assistant. Its primary function centers around smart note-taking. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

* Contextual Understanding: Aura utilizes advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand the context of your notes. It doesn’t just transcribe; it categorizes,identifies action items,and even suggests relevant tags. This is a important leap beyond basic voice recording apps.

* Multi-Platform Sync: Notes taken via Aura seamlessly synchronize across all major platforms – Windows,macOS,iOS,android,and web browsers – ensuring accessibility wherever you are. Integration with popular note-taking apps like Evernote, Notion, and OneNote is also planned for Q1 2026.

* Offline Functionality: Aura doesn’t require a constant internet connection for basic note-taking. This is crucial for users in areas with unreliable connectivity or those prioritizing data privacy.

* Voice-to-Text Accuracy: built upon Meta’s research in speech recognition, Aura boasts a reported 98% accuracy rate, even in noisy environments. This is achieved through a combination of beamforming microphones and sophisticated noise cancellation algorithms.

* Smart Formatting: Aura automatically formats notes with headings, bullet points, and numbered lists based on spoken cues. For example, saying “New heading: Project updates” will create a formatted heading in your notes.

Music Control: Beyond Play, Pause, and skip

While note-taking is Aura’s flagship feature, its music control capabilities are equally notable. It goes beyond the standard voice commands offered by existing assistants.

* Service Agnostic: Aura integrates with all major music streaming services – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal – without favoring any particular platform.

* Mood-Based Playlists: Users can request playlists based on their mood (“Play something upbeat for working,” or “Play relaxing music for studying”). Aura leverages AI to curate playlists that match the requested vibe.

* Precise Control: Commands like “Rewind 30 seconds” or “Fast forward to the chorus” offer granular control over music playback.

* Spatial Audio Support: Leveraging the team’s Oculus background, Aura supports spatial audio for compatible headphones, creating a more immersive listening experience.

* Cross-Device Handoff: Seamlessly transfer music playback between devices with a simple voice command.

Hardware and Design: minimalist Aesthetics, Powerful Performance

Aura’s hardware is designed to be unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing.

* Compact Form Factor: The device is roughly the size of a hockey puck, making it easily portable.

* Premium Materials: Aura is constructed from brushed aluminum and features a fabric-covered top surface.

* Far-Field Microphones: Six strategically placed far-field microphones ensure accurate voice recognition from across the room.

* USB-C Connectivity: Aura connects to your computer or mobile device via USB-C.

* Battery Life: Aura offers up to 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge.

The Meta Connection: Leveraging Past Expertise

The team’s experience at Meta, particularly within the Oculus VR ecosystem, has been instrumental in Aura’s development.Specifically:

* Voice Interaction expertise: Years spent refining voice commands for VR applications provided a strong foundation for Aura’s NLP engine.

* Spatial Audio Technology: The team adapted spatial audio techniques developed for oculus headsets to enhance aura’s music playback capabilities.

* Low-Latency Processing: Optimizing voice processing for real-time