This week on StrictlyVC Download, TechCrunch reporter Marina Temkin sat down with Mina Fahmi, founder and CEO of Sandbar, and Toni Schneider, partner at True Ventures, during a live event in Palo Alto. The conversation delved into the future of AI wearables, the challenges of building hardware people actually want to wear, and the unique approach Sandbar is taking with its Stream ring—a device designed to capture whispered thoughts using AI. Fahmi, who leads Sandbar’s mission to create intuitive, privacy-first wearable tech, emphasized that the goal isn’t to build another AI companion but to enable what she calls “self-extension”—a seamless way to amplify your own thoughts, memory, and expression. The Stream ring listens to users’ quiet, internal monologues, transcribing them in real time to help with note-taking, idea capture, and personal reflection. Toni Schneider, known for backing transformative consumer hardware like Fitbit, Peloton, and Ring, shared that he was initially skeptical of the AI wearable space. “I’ve seen hundreds of demos,” he said. “But when I saw Sandbar’s prototype, it was different. It wasn’t just a gadget—it felt like a natural extension of how people think.” The key, according to Fahmi, lies in the interaction model. After two years of prototyping, Sandbar refined its approach to ensure the device feels effortless. Rather than relying on voice commands or constant notifications, the Stream ring works through subtle, internal speech—what Fahmi calls “whispering to yourself.” This method not only enhances privacy but also reduces cognitive load, making the experience feel more personal and less intrusive. Schneider highlighted that the most successful wearables do one thing exceptionally well before expanding. “Don’t try to be a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, and a voice assistant,” he said. “Build something that does one thing brilliantly, and people will wear it every day.” The discussion also touched on the growing competition in the space, including rumors of an upcoming AI wearable from OpenAI, reportedly designed by Jony Ive. Fahmi acknowledged the momentum but stressed that Sandbar’s focus remains on privacy, simplicity, and authenticity. “We’re not building a device to replace human thought,” she said. “We’re building one to help you remember it.” As AI wearables evolve beyond novelty, the conversation underscored a shift in priorities: from flashy features to meaningful utility, from constant connectivity to quiet presence. For Sandbar, the future isn’t about more technology—it’s about better integration with how people naturally think and live.