Primera (smart ring)

History

2024: Product Announcement

At the end of October 2024, the Swiss startup Padrone introduced the Primera smart ring with a built-in camera. This compact gadget can replace a traditional computer mouse.

According to the developers, Primera turns the entire desktop surface into a huge touch panel. The equipment, in addition to the camera, includes a six-axis motion sensor, a microcontroller, a Bluetooth low-power wireless adapter and a battery.

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padrone.design

The device is worn on the index finger of the dominant hand of the user. The ring can work with any tablet or computer that supports a Bluetooth mouse without any additional software. Primera is enabled by double-pressing the thumb on the side of the index. Then, to move the cursor on the screen, it is enough to move the finger tip along the table surface: movements are tracked using a camera and an integrated sensor, after which they are converted into control commands.

Gestures are supported. So, tapping on the table with the index finger simulates pressing the left mouse button, and with the middle finger - the right. Scrolling is done by sliding the index finger and middle finger together. Pressing the thumb on the side of the index finger allows you to drag elements. When the hand moves to the typing keyboard, Primera recognizes the field with buttons and automatically goes into standby mode.

The ring only works on fairly well-lit surfaces that do not have chaotic color patterns. Full charging is enough for the day of use, and it takes about 100 minutes to replenish the power supply via the USB connector. The Primera costs approximately $280 (at the time of the announcement).^[1]

Notes