I’m checking out a smart ring that records thoughts on the go. It looks simple but has interesting features.
Leonardo da Vinci once wrote, “As you go about town, constantly observe, note, and consider the circumstances and behavior of men as they talk and quarrel, or laugh, or come to blows.” Back in the 1480s, when he first showed up in Milan, he had a little notebook hanging off his belt to jot down all the experiences. Fast forward to 2025, and Pebble drops the Index 01, a $75 smart ring with a built-in microphone to help you capture sparks of ideas while you’re out and about. Sounds like something a writer like me would love, right? But wait, there’s more. So, without further ado, let’s get into my Pebble Index 01 review and see what creatives can expect.
Built-in microphone for notes on the go
Pebble Index 01
AI-powered smart ring with built-in microphone for quick voice notes
I wish a coworking space sparked more ideas for me, yet it never does. Stanford University spoke with the world’s leading founders, from Jeff Bezos to Mark Benioff, to learn how entrepreneurs notice opportunities. The research shows that successful entrepreneurs stand out by “questioning, observing, experimenting, and sharing ideas.”
My own sparks show up when I’m on the go… while walking my dog in the park or on my way home with hot chocolate. You get the point; ideas show up at moments when my hands stay full. That’s where the Index 01 steps in.
The Pebble Index 01 uses a built-in microphone that stores quick thoughts while you stay in motion. I value the privacy. You press the button, whisper your thought, and the recording goes straight to your phone. It lands in notes, turns into a reminder, or waits for you in a list. The ring never “listens” outside the moment you trigger it.
As a writer, I think it’s important to observe the world and stay present. I like having my own space—it’s just me, the best company I know, and my pets. They’re the ones who get me.
Forget charging or subscriptions—(looking at you, Oura)
I don’t have an Oura ring, but I’d love to get one. The subscription fee, though, feels a bit much. I get that companies need to make money, but it’s frustrating when it limits the device’s full potential. Now, the Pebble Index 01 doesn’t come with health features like the Oura Ring 4, but I appreciate that it doesn’t need a subscription or internet connection. The icing on the cake? The battery lasts for years, so you never need to charge it.
I like how customizable Pebble’s products are. Eric Migicovsky, the founder, told Bloomberg that just like their smartwatches, people can tinker with the Index 01 and add new features, like controlling music or snapping a photo with the camera. Considering that the Pebble Index 01 is available to pre-order for just $75 (rising to $99 when shipping starts in March), the promises are hard to resist.
Verdict
Pros
- ✅ Speak your thoughts—the built-in miccrophone captures them
- ✅ Forget charging. Can last through years of usage
- ✅ No subscriptions
Cons
- ❌ Short (30-day) warranty
The Pebble Index 01 functions like a modern da Vinci notebook, on a finger. I like the idea of capturing thoughts on the go without subscriptions or charging. I haven’t tried it yet, but Pebble has found a compelling selling point. Tech brands, from big players to startups, are hunting for a hardware formula that resonates with mainstream users.
The short 30-day warranty stands out as a downside—most smart ring makers, from Oura to Samsung, cover at least a year—but that’s the only drawback, which speaks to the Pebble Index 01’s quality.