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Aina, a Bengaluru-based consumer hardware startup founded by former Ultrahuman hardware vice-president Apoorv Shankar, has unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) ring designed to help users interact with AI agents and connected devices without repeatedly using their smartphones.
The ring combines a small display with a joystick-like control called Shifter. It allows users to review, approve or reject actions suggested by AI agents, while keeping control over the final decision.
Aina’s Cues feature uses information from connected services and a user’s routines to suggest relevant actions. For example, it could suggest booking a regular ride around a familiar departure time.
Users can also give voice commands through Aina Voice, dictate notes and interact with connected AI agents. Aina Remote allows the ring’s controls to be used for tasks such as music playback and Mac meeting controls.
The titanium ring connects with iPhones and Mac computers at launch. Its software can use information such as calendar, location and app activity, depending on the services connected by the user.
The company says the ring is designed to understand context without continuously watching or listening to users.
Aina opened pre-orders on November 5, with introductory pricing starting at 399 US dollars. The standard launch price is 499 US dollars, with shipping expected to begin in January 2027.
Founded in May 2025, Aina spent around 15 months developing the product in stealth. The company raised 5.5 million US dollars in seed funding in July 2026. The round was led by Redstart Labs and 360 ONE Asset, with participation from MIXI Global Investments, Antler, Blume Founders Fund and angel investors.
The ring enters the growing market for AI-enabled wearables. Its success, however, will depend on the reliability of its AI agent integrations, the usefulness of its suggestions and whether quick approvals are more convenient than existing smartphone controls.
The ring combines a small display with a joystick-like control called Shifter. It allows users to review, approve or reject actions suggested by AI agents, while keeping control over the final decision.
Aina’s Cues feature uses information from connected services and a user’s routines to suggest relevant actions. For example, it could suggest booking a regular ride around a familiar departure time.
Users can also give voice commands through Aina Voice, dictate notes and interact with connected AI agents. Aina Remote allows the ring’s controls to be used for tasks such as music playback and Mac meeting controls.
The titanium ring connects with iPhones and Mac computers at launch. Its software can use information such as calendar, location and app activity, depending on the services connected by the user.
The company says the ring is designed to understand context without continuously watching or listening to users.
Aina opened pre-orders on November 5, with introductory pricing starting at 399 US dollars. The standard launch price is 499 US dollars, with shipping expected to begin in January 2027.
Founded in May 2025, Aina spent around 15 months developing the product in stealth. The company raised 5.5 million US dollars in seed funding in July 2026. The round was led by Redstart Labs and 360 ONE Asset, with participation from MIXI Global Investments, Antler, Blume Founders Fund and angel investors.
The ring enters the growing market for AI-enabled wearables. Its success, however, will depend on the reliability of its AI agent integrations, the usefulness of its suggestions and whether quick approvals are more convenient than existing smartphone controls.
