The race to develop new technologies that appeal to the public has generated a high level of competitiveness among startups, and one of the newest trends is the development of wearable devices. With the accelerated evolution of voice interfaces and generative artificial intelligence, these companies are investing in concepts of AI-driven wearable objects, bringing the use of technology closer to quick access to information and everyday tasks.
Startups are betting on AI-driven wearables to reinvent everyday use
The rise of wearable devices powered by artificial intelligence is bringing new experiences to users that go beyond, for example, traditional smartwatches. For years, wearables have been seen as useful but not necessarily essential objects, something that may be changing, as the popularization of voice assistants and the advancement of language models are gradually redefining this scenario.
This new generation of VCAI devices goes beyond the classic functions of monitoring steps or heart rate. The goal is to offer small extensions of the human brain, capable of registering ideas as they arise, summarizing conversations, organizing thoughts, and interpreting spoken commands in various contexts. It is a more intimate and direct application of technology, in which the human body itself becomes the main point of interaction. This approach has attracted significant investment and inspired solutions in a variety of formats, from rings to necklaces, also including bracelets, pendants, and small devices attached to clothing.
How rapid prototyping accelerates innovation
The progress is also supported by the fact that manufacturing prototypes today is much faster and cheaper than it was ten years ago. The ability to test ideas practically and quickly is even greater today, which also allows for increased competition. However, transforming a prototype into a product that can be produced on a global scale is still one of the main challenges faced by startups and companies, as it requires lengthy negotiations and industrial expertise.
Companies are exploring new formats as voice interfaces mature rapidly
Among the projects that attract the most attention is the Stream Ring, created by Sandbar. The product consists of a small ring, worn on the index finger, that functions as a kind of “voice mouse.” With just brief touches, the user activates the microphone, whispers a thought, releases the button, and everything becomes an organized note in the application.
Stream Ring is an example of a significant shift in the design of technological products: fewer screens, more naturalness. With the ring, instead of opening the phone and going through the trouble of searching for an app and typing, the user simply speaks. The software itself transforms the audio into text, creates summaries, groups ideas, and allows the user to revisit everything like a personal timeline.
Beyond Stream, devices like the Bee bracelet (acquired by Amazon) are investing in continuous recording alternatives to capture conversations and generate useful context. Other companies are exploring necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with always-available assistants. There are also AI-powered smart glasses, which already involve influencing our field of vision.
Race among startups reveals market undergoing accelerated transformation
Public interest is growing as people realize that communicating with technology can be faster and more spontaneous than typing. Assistants that can understand context and usage patterns become more useful and attractive as user interaction increases. Startups are taking advantage of this moment before giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Meta completely dominate the sector.
AI-powered wearables are redefining how humans interact with technology. The mix of new formats, personalized assistants, and voice interfaces are factors that solidify applications and uses in everyday life. Startups and giant companies are racing to occupy space, and the result promises to transform our relationship with technology in a profound and everyday way.