Pebble's comeback story took an unexpected turn. After launch two new smart watches Earlier this year, the company announced a new wearable device that challenges what a smart ring should be. Unlike Samsung Galaxy Ring or smart rings Oura's Pebble Index 01 is not intended to be a health or fitness tracker. Instead, its sole purpose is to help users grasp ideas or remember things.
Index 01 is essentially a device designed to make voice notes easy to use. It's a stainless steel ring with a side button and a built-in microphone that allows users to quickly jot down ideas, set reminders, start a timer, or create calendar events. It has built-in memory for saving recordings, which automatically syncs with the companion Pebble app when connected to your phone.
Inside the app, the entry is decrypted locally and automatically classified as a reminder, timer, or simple note. None of this requires a monthly subscription, although Pebble does offer an optional cloud service that allows online backups and improves speech-to-text accuracy.
Pebble says the ring button can also be customized in the companion app for additional actions, such as controlling music playback, taking photos, or triggering smart home commands, allowing users to do more if they so choose. The double-tap-and-hold gesture can even get answers to simple queries, but this feature requires an active Internet connection and is not available by default.
The Index 01 is designed to provide the lowest possible maintenance. Thus, it does not have a rechargeable battery. Instead, it uses a long-lasting silver oxide battery (similar to those used in hearing aids) that can last up to 2 years with average use. Once the battery runs out, the ring can be sent back to Pebble for recycling, and users will have to purchase a replacement.
While buying a new smart ring every two years may seem expensive, the Index 01's starting price of $75 makes it affordable. If Pebble's smart ring idea piques your interest, you can now pre-order the Index 01 from the company's website in polished silver, gold, or matte black. Deliveries are expected to begin in March next year, after which Pebble will increase the price to $99.
