A wearable audio recording device and method of recording audio messages and playing back the stored recorded message. The wearable audio recording device includes a memory unit and an audio unit 106 receives audio data in response to the audio signals and audio sounds (e.g human voice) captured by a microphone 104. A user interface unit 106 generates input commands whilst a control unit 108 is arranged to respond to a predetermined input command from the user interface unit 106, and to store in the memory unit audio data associated with the audio data output generated by the microphone 104. The device also includes a speaker (audio) port 110 which may connect to an internal speaker or to an audio earphone jack on the unit (218 fig 2). The control unit is arranged to automatically control the memory unit to send the stored audio data to the speaker port after expiration of a predetermined time interval. The audio signal may be the sound of a human voice, which may be heard by the user via the optional speaker. The predetermined interval may be a plurality of time intervals, which may become incrementally smaller and which may be set by the user. Successive pushes of a dedicated push button actuator (206 fig 2) may start an audio recording, stop the recording, send audio to the audio port, and skip back (rewind) and resend the stored audio to the speaker port. The user interface and selection optional may also include a circular (annular) actuator (204 fig 2) in conjunction with a central push button (206), or a single central push button (704 fig 7) operating on more than one axial point. The user interface may include touch sensitive pads and a touch sensitive screen. The invention is aimed as memory aid for forgetful people who suffer from poor memory or memory loss and who may suffer from amnesia or Alzheimers disease. The device provides a means of repeatedly reminding and prompting such a person of an important event or action which they may otherwise forget.
