**The $20 Smart Ring That Became a MIDI Controller**

Imagine having the power to control your synthesizer's filter cutoff frequencies with just a flick of your wrist or a subtle movement of your finger. Sounds like science fiction, right? But thanks to the ingenuity of hacker Floyd Steinberg and the affordability of the Colmi R02 smart ring, this futuristic-sounding feature is now within reach – for just $20.

The Colmi R02 is one of the cheapest smart rings on the market, but what's even more remarkable is that its manufacturer has left the door open for users to upload their own firmware and customize the device to their heart's content. Unlike other smart devices that come with robust security measures like code signing and encryption, the Colmi R02 allows anyone with some basic programming knowledge to take it apart and reprogram it from scratch.

Floyd Steinberg seized this opportunity to turn his Colmi R02 into a unique MIDI controller, harnessing its accelerometer data to generate MIDI CC commands that can control any parameter on a synthesizer. The process is surprisingly simple: when connected to a computer via Bluetooth, the ring's accelerometer sends data to a web app that converts it into MIDI messages, which can then be configured to control whatever feature you desire.

But what makes this project truly special is its potential for musical expression. By using the Colmi R02 as a wearable device, Floyd was able to create an intuitive and responsive interface for controlling his synthesizer's filter cutoff frequencies. The results are nothing short of mesmerizing – watch as he effortlessly glides through complex soundscapes with just a few subtle movements of his finger.

So, what makes this hack so remarkable? For one thing, it highlights the democratization of technology, where even the most basic and affordable devices can be repurposed for creative purposes. But more importantly, it shows that innovation doesn't have to come with an exorbitant price tag – with a little ingenuity and some basic programming knowledge, you too can transform your Colmi R02 into a MIDI controller for under $20.

For those eager to experiment, files are available on GitHub. And if you're looking for inspiration, be sure to check out our previous feature on Aaron Christophel's hacks of the Colmi R02 – his work directly influenced Floyd Steinberg's project, and it's a testament to the power of community-driven innovation.