Microsoft Wants to Replace Computer Mouse with this Ring

A new smart ring has been designed by Microsoft that could replace the conventional computer mouse.

A recent filing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office revealed the tech giant wants to use the ring to control computers and other devices. It is the latest in a series of patent filings from Microsoft that relate to a smart ring.

The smart ring uses "flexion sensors" and gyroscopes to detect the position and pose of the wearer's finger. This would mean that rather than clicking a mouse to carry out a task, a wearer could simply tap their finger.

"The present concepts relate to a smart ring that can allow a user to use his/her finger to control a companion device," the patent states.

"The smart ring can detect a pose of the finger [and] also detect and/or interpret movement of the finger and/or fingertip relative to the coordinate system.

"The smart ring can wirelessly transmit information related to the pose and/or movement of the finger to control the companion device."

The technology could potentially be used in conjunction with other wearable devices, such as smartglasses or Microsoft's Hololens virtual reality headset.

A patent filed in 2015 revealed that Apple is also considering a smart ring device, complete with motion sensors, a microphone, touchscreen and cameras. Apple did not comment on the patent at the time.

A spokesperson for Microsoft was unavailable for comment.