This smart ring can save your life

World-famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once said, "The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

Driven by life-threatening events experienced by their loved ones and one of their members, Russia-based technology startup Nimb decided to do something about it.

The result is a smart ring with a panic button that allows the wearer to send emergency alerts to preset contacts in the accompanying mobile app. By holding the button for three seconds, the ring sends notifications that give real-time tracking of the user's exact location.

Also called Nimb, which is the Russian word for halo, the ring provides vibration feedback to inform the wearer that the message has been sent.

The button comes in a sunken design to help avoid accidental notifications. But in cases the button is activated inadvertently, these can be cancelled by logging in to the app and entering a password.

The device likewise incorporates an audio recorder feature, which can be used as evidence.

The company's CEO Leo Bereschansky said that he found the need for such a device when his girlfriend was physically assaulted by an obsessive ex-partner in 2014. With her hands tied-up, she was unable to reach her phone and pepper spray she had in her purse.

Director of communications Kathy Romanovskaya, meanwhile, decided to join the group after falling victim to a near-fatal mugging by a stranger that left her with multiple stab wounds and lacerations. She had since made empowering women all over the world to rise above terrible experiences her advocacy.

Nimb is made of hypoallergenic glossy metal and matte plastic. It comes in a sleek, though bulky, design, and is available in black or white. US sizes 4 to 12 are offered. The ring withstands dust and splashes of water.

Apart from the abovementioned features, Nimb can prevent users from losing their smartphones by sending vibration alerts as soon as the distance between the phone and the ring exceeds preset limits. It is compatible with iOS and Android.

The smart ring's Kickstarter campaign has almost raised five times its initial target of $50,000 with just a few days left. The first batch is set for shipping in March 2017. Nimb will retail for $149.