Sgnl Smart Strap Makes Your Finger a Phone

There are ways to answer a phone call today without taking your phone out of your pocket. Typically, people use all manner of Bluetooth devices for this. A new device called the Sgnl smart strap has debuted at CES 2018 and this gadget turns your hand into a phone. The Sgnl strap connects to either an Apple Watch or an Android Wear device or it can be worn alone.

The strap has a 200 mAh battery inside and promises about 3.5 hours of talking on that much power or four days of standby. The Sgnl strap is made by Innomdle and on display at CES was a version that also has fitness tracking integrated with a step and calorie counter.

As for how the device works, it sends audio vibrations through a button-shaped body conduction unit on the underside of the strap. Those vibrations travel up the skin to the tip of the finger. When you touch the tip of your finger to the inside of your ear, the sound is amplified, and you can hear the call.

The strap has an integrated mic, so the caller can hear you. It can also store up to five numbers, so you can call common contacts without having to dig out your phone. Pricing and availability are unannounced.