A smart ring to control your smartphone

The ORII smart ring uses Bluetooth connectivity to allow users to control their smartphones using voice commands, claim reports. Available on crowd-funding platform Kickstarter.com for $99, the ring can be used to make calls, send messages, post to social media and more. 

The device works using ‘bone conduction’ technology which allows the wearer to listen to playback of what is running on the phone — call, music or video — by simply putting a finger to their ear. ORII works directly with Siri and Google Assistant to give Android and iOS users full hands-free control of their devices’ virtual assistant, while its companion app enables customised alerts via LED lights and vibrations.

In an application filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office, Facebook is exploring the development of a “modular electromechanical device” (smartphone) which will allow users to add different components onto a device. The modular device can incorporate a speaker, microphone, touch display, GPS and function as a phone, say reports. Facebook’s hardware lab Building 8, which is focused on developing cutting-edge camera and machine learning technology, is working on the project. The patent noted that millions of devices connected to a server could be loaded with different software based on components that are swapped out. 

South Korean giant Samsung might launch with the upcoming Galaxy Note 8 device a pair of wireless earplugs — similar to Apple’s wireless AirPods — that will be powered by its artificial intelligence assistant Bixby. According to a report, the earphones will feature noise cancelling technology and it’s expected that they will also work alongside the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. A software update released earlier this month has already brought an English-speaking version of the Bixby voice assistant to the US. It was rumoured that Samsung will launch its next flagship Galaxy Note 8 device in September to counter its biggest rival Apple. Last week, the South Korean giant “accidentally” revealed the device on Twitter. The upcoming flagship will be the priciest one till now with a price tag of $900. Interestingly, the next iPhone is also rumoured to be the costliest Apple device till date with a cost price of $1,000 and will be launched in September.