Prolo Ring: Smart ring as mouse alternative with trackpad, gesture recognition and macros

The Prolo Ring is a new smart ring not designed to measure the wearer's vital signs or activity, but rather as a kind of periphery device. The ring is even intended to be an alternative to a mouse and offers various control options.

Features include an integrated trackpad, allowing the wearer to move the pointer by sliding their thumb over the ring. There is also 6-axis motion detection, which allows the Prolo Ring to detect gestures. The exact range of functions depends on the model version selected. For example, the basic model does not support user-defined gestures, unlike the Pro model, and the macro builder cannot be used. The device is advertised as versatile and compatible with different devices, such as with a smartphone for turning pages in an e-book, for image editing with macros, or for switching sides in a presentation. Various operating systems are supported.

The ring, which weighs around 5 grams, connects to a device via Bluetooth and supposedly lasts up to 8 hours on a single battery charge. A charging case is provided for charging, at least for the Standard and Pro models, but not for the Basic model.

According to the manufacturer, supporters can back the current crowdfunding campaign for at least $99, plus shipping costs. However, the risks associated with crowdfunding campaigns apply; whether the Prolo Ring will actually make it to market or function as advertised remains to be seen.