The Seoul-based company Vtouch Inc. is selling the smart ring “Wizpr” following a crowdfunding project – initially to a limited number of interested parties. Wizpr allows its users to discreetly whisper commands into a microphone built into the ring. Unlike other smart rings, Wizpr is not a health gadget.
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A Bluetooth connection to the ring is possible via an app, as is switching between different AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Gemini. In addition, the ring should support smart home assistants such as Alexa, Google Home and Apple's HomeKit via voice control.
Ring is intended to filter out background noise
According to Vtouch, the ring is particularly good at filtering out background noise. It should respond via voice command or using a proximity sensor when it is held to the mouth. Alternatively, you can simply press a button. For example, an AI can be selected via voice input after pressing a button. A double press of a button allows the spoken word to be corrected. Pressing the button three times or saying “What’s up” also starts a conversation, for example for calendar entries, emails or location information. If you press it five times, an emergency contact is informed and the ring wearer's location information is forwarded to the person stored in the app.
The ring was announced at CES 2024, where it also won an innovation award. It can now be pre-ordered via Kickstarter for one price – currently the equivalent of 128 euros, excluding taxes and import costs. The languages currently supported are English, Spanish, French, Korean, German and Japanese – more are to follow. The ring is connected to the user's headphones.
Ring for servitude?
The app comes with a one-year subscription, but the core functions of the app remain freely accessible even after the year. This includes, among other things, sending SOS notifications, smart home control, the “What's up” function and the exchange of direct voice messages between ring owners. Without a subscription, the premium functions can also be used for 30 minutes per day.
Use is only possible with Premium. These include ChatGPT 3.5, Gemini and interaction with AI assistants. In addition, following criticism from the community, the manufacturers are also checking which premium functions can be used in the future. The manufacturers currently estimate the resulting costs at 2.30 euros per month. Furthermore, all customers who have an OpenAI API key with prepaid credit should be able to use all premium functions free of charge without a subscription. They can add their API key to the Wizpr app.
According to an FAQ from the manufacturer, Wizpr is made of materials such as titanium and weighs four grams. With continuous use, the battery life is 10 hours, otherwise around 70 hours. With a charging case, the ring can be charged via USB-C. According to IPX4, Wizpr is splash-proof, so the manufacturers recommend removing the ring when washing dishes, washing hands or similar activities. An LED light provides information about the status of the device at a glance.
(mack)