Eric Migicovsky, founder of the recently rebooted Pebble smartwatch brand, has introduced the Index 01, a new AI-powered smart ring designed for recording quick voice notes and reminders. The device, launched by Migicovsky's company Core Devices, is priced at $75 during a pre-order period and is intended to function as an “external memory” tool rather than an always-on AI assistant or a comprehensive health tracker, according to statements by Migicovsky.
The Index 01 integrates artificial intelligence through open-source speech-to-text and AI models that operate locally on a user's smartphone via the Pebble mobile application. Recording is activated by a press-and-hold gesture on the ring, ensuring privacy by limiting audio capture to intentional user input and storing data directly on the phone, not in cloud services. The device also offers a no-subscription model, differentiating it from some market alternatives.
Constructed from stainless steel, the ring is water-resistant up to one meter, allowing for use during activities such as showering or washing hands. However, it is not designed for swimming. Migicovsky emphasized that the Index 01 specifically addresses the problem of forgetting ideas by providing an accessible recording mechanism, claiming its battery can last for years with typical usage, supporting approximately 12 to 14 hours of total recording time over its lifespan.
The Index 01 enters a competitive market for voice-note wearables. Last month, Sandbar, a startup founded by former Meta employees, unveiled its Stream Ring, which also facilitates voice recording. Unlike the Index 01, the Stream Ring, priced at $249, includes both a free tier with limited AI interactions and a $10-per-month subscription for enhanced features, with shipments anticipated for next summer.
Technical specifications for the Index 01 include support for over 100 languages and a limited amount of on-device memory, which enables recording even when outside Bluetooth range of a paired smartphone. Audio recordings, limited to five minutes per instance, are subsequently synced and transcribed on the phone. The device's open-source software allows for community programmability, enabling custom actions such as music control or camera shutter activation, beyond its primary note-taking function.
Core Devices operates with a small, self-funded team of five, prioritizing profitability and sustainability. This strategy represents a departure from Migicovsky's previous venture with Pebble, which involved venture capital funding. The company has previously shipped the Pebble 2 Duo smartwatch and is preparing to release the upgraded Pebble Time 2, which has received 25,000 pre-orders.
The pre-order period for the Index 01 concludes in March 2026, after which the price will increase to $99. The ring is available in silver, polished gold, and matte black, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and offered in eight sizes ranging from 6 to 13.
