Echoing the legendary ‘One Ring’ from Tolkien’s Middle-earth, VTouch, a South Korean Tech company, steps into the spotlight with the launch of the WIZPR ring. This innovative smart accessory is poised to revolutionise how we interact with AI. 

The co-founders of VTouch, Kim Seok-joong and Nathan Dohyun Kim, have designed the ring to offer a streamlined and convenient way to access AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. 

Ready to shape the future

“With WIZPR ring’s voice-based interaction method, we are scripting a new chapter in human-AI interaction. This advancement enables computing even in situations where your hands are busy or screens are out of reach, taking human-computer interaction to the next level. 

“Now without pulling out a smartphone, we can effortlessly talk to our chosen AI and multitask while driving, walking, jogging, or picking groceries,” said Nathan, in an introduction video explaining the working of the ring.

How the WIZPR Ring Works 

Utilising the proximity voice activity detection technology, the WIZPR ring recognises and responds only to speech detected in close proximity, eliminating the need for wake words. By positioning the ring near the mouth, it automatically activates, enabling precise control over the initiation and encoding of commands.
 

When brought close to something else, like a pocket or when wearing gloves, it would detect so and automatically turn off to prevent accidental activation. Equipped with a built-in denounce sensor, the ring detects proximity and activates its microphone, transmitting the input to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. 

The accompanying WIZPR ring app leverages Proximity Voice Activity Detection technology to accurately transcribe the user’s voice while effectively eliminating background noise, ensuring clarity in communication with the AI.

Responses from the AI are then audibly relayed through the user’s earphones and simultaneously displayed in the smartphone’s dialogue window, providing seamless interaction and integration with the device’s ecosystem.

Going beyond rings

The Humane Ai Pin also offers a wide range of functionalities, including contextual insights, virtual assistance, and personalised recommendations. By using voice commands or text inputs, users can interact with the Ai Pin, enabling hands-free operation and convenience. 

Based on user interactions, the Ai Pin learns and adapts to individual preferences over time, delivering increasingly tailored experiences.

Another example of breakthrough devices is the Crossbeams Ignite Nexus smartwatch, which incorporates ChatGPT to enhance its capabilities beyond traditional smartwatches. With this integration, users can engage in conversational interactions, receive intelligent notifications, and access contextual information directly from their wrists. 

The list goes on. Whoop Coach recently integrated AI-driven coaching capabilities to provide personalised fitness recommendations and coaching. Based on user data, including activity levels, sleep patterns, and recovery metrics, one can receive real-time insights and actionable suggestions to optimize their fitness routines, improve performance, and achieve their health goals.

Will these replace Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant?

There is also a growing discussion regarding the possibility and potential of wearable AI replacing command and control systems like Siri (which is about to get a GenAI upgrade at WWDC 24) and Google Assistant. 

As technology evolves, ambient computing is envisioned where devices will intuit users’ needs without requiring explicit wake words or commands. Innovations like the Humane AI Pin and WIZPR Ring are built to harness the power of AI and to interact with large language models.  

In terms of spatial computing, launches like Vision Pro mark a significant milestone toward global adoption. Well, already in the race to further revolutionize communication, Neuralink will be as common as a smartphone, opening up a world of possibilities for both medical and technological advancements. 

And now humanity anticipates embracing further advancements in AI-based communication. 

[Update] April 8, 2024, 19:35 |The article has been recertified to show Kim Seok-joong and Nathan Dohyun Kim are the co-founders of the company.