# Phone-Controlling Rings The Ringbow Lets You Use Your Touchscreen Phone from Afar By Michael Hines | Published 2011-05-05 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ringbow References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/ringbow-enhances-touchscreen-interaction/18521/) & [ringbow](http://www.ringbow.com/) Israeli designers Efrat Barit and Saar Shai have designed what may be the ultimate [touchscreen smartphone accessory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-ring-design) in the form of the Ringbow. The Ringbow is a [tech-savvy ring](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-slac) designed to let you operate your smartphone from a distance. The Ringbow has a directional nub with five different [directional controls that can be customized](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-wearable-controller). The Ringbow is not designed to replace the actual touch aspect of touchscreen cellphones, rather it is designed to make them easier to use by freeing up your other hand. Unlike most concept devices, this one is actually being tested in the real world. Currently the gadget is only compatible with Android phones, but the designers plan on expanding it to all smartphone operating systems upon release. Looks like dirty smartphone screens could become a thing of the past. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Remote-operation Accessories:** The rise of phone-controlling rings opens up opportunities for the development of other remote-operation accessories for smartphones. - **Enhanced Touchscreen Interaction:** The Ringbow showcases the potential for enhanced touchscreen interaction by providing additional directional controls that can be customized. - **Hands-free Technology:** The Ringbow's aim to free up the user's other hand presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the development of hands-free technologies. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Mobile Accessories:** The mobile accessories industry can explore the production of phone-controlling rings and other innovative remote-operation accessories. - **Smartphone Technology:** Smartphone technology companies can incorporate enhanced touchscreen interaction features similar to the Ringbow, improving user experience and functionality. - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable technology companies can leverage the concept of hands-free technology demonstrated by the Ringbow to develop innovative wearable devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tappable Smart Ring Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dribble.md) - [Uncomfortable Anti-Tech Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uscellular.md) - [Gesture-Control Earpiece Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-air-concept.md) - [Wearable Input Device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picoring.md) - [Wearable Ring-Inspired Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ring-mouse.md) - [Voice Control Smart Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandbar-stream-ring.md) - [Cohesive Ecosystem Smart Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-ring.md) - [Smart Home-Controlling Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lotus-ring.md) - [Wearable AI Smart Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-wizpr-ring.md)