After four months of testing, the Oura Ring Gen 4 is considered the best smart ring for accuracy and durability, especially for sleep and stress tracking, but its bulky design and high cost, including a subscription fee, may deter some users.
Finnish health tech company Oura has raised $900 million in funding led by Fidelity, valuing it at approximately $11 billion. The company plans to use the funds for AI, product innovation, and global expansion, with recent sales surpassing 5.5 million rings and revenue expected to exceed $1 billion in 2024. Oura is also expanding into health testing services and targeting new demographics, including young women.
Tech YouTuber Daniel Rotar experienced a dangerous battery expansion in his Samsung Galaxy Ring, highlighting safety risks associated with wearable devices, which required medical removal.
Oura has launched a new ceramic collection of its smart rings, featuring four colors and a durable zirconia ceramic material, along with a new $99 charging case that can recharge the ring up to five times. The company also announced multi-ring support in the app and upcoming blood panel testing through partnerships, enhancing its health tracking capabilities. These innovations continue to strengthen Oura's position in the smart ring market, despite some controversies.
A Samsung Galaxy Ring with a swollen lithium-ion battery became stuck on a user's finger during travel, leading to a hospital visit and raising concerns about battery safety in wearable devices. Samsung is investigating the incident, which highlights the risks of battery expansion in small electronics.
Google has confirmed that it has no plans to release a Pixel Tablet 2 or a smart ring, focusing instead on smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and glasses, especially as foldables and smart glasses gain popularity.
The Oura Ring 4, a subtle and accurate health tracker, is now available at its first significant discount of $296.65 on Amazon for Prime Day, featuring improvements like longer battery life, a slimmer design, and advanced health metrics tracking, making it a top choice for those seeking a discreet, screen-free fitness device.
Casio is set to release a unique ring-sized version of its classic watch, the CRW001-1, in the US in December 2024 for $120. Originally thought to be exclusive to Japan, this novelty item commemorates the 50th anniversary of Casio Watch. Despite lacking modern smartwatch features, it boasts clever engineering, including a water-resistant seal and a two-year battery life. The ring watch is made entirely of metal and is more repairable than many smart rings and watches, making it an intriguing collectible for gadget enthusiasts.
Casio has launched its first functional digital watch ring, the CRW-001-1JR, marking a new trend in wearable technology. Unlike previous non-functional models, this smart ring features a working LED screen that displays time, a stopwatch, and alarm functions. It is available in a single size with spacers for smaller fingers and is set to be a Japan-exclusive release in December, priced at approximately $128.
Casio has unveiled its first smart ring, the CRW-001-1JR, to celebrate 50 years in the digital watch industry. Priced at around $128, this innovative wearable features a retro six-segment LCD screen, a stopwatch, and a flashing alarm. Made from polished stainless steel, the ring is waterproof and powered by a replaceable battery lasting about two years. Unlike Timex's stretchable band, Casio's ring is a fixed US size 10.5, with spacers included for smaller fingers. Available in Japan from December, it marks a functional evolution from Casio's previous non-functional ring designs.
Oura CEO Tom Hale stated that Apple is unlikely to launch a smart ring, despite speculation, as the company remains focused on the Apple Watch. Hale believes Apple is unconvinced about the value of a smart ring alongside a watch and is cautious about entering a challenging product category. Oura, a pioneer in smart rings, recently released its Oura Ring 4 amid growing competition in the wearable tech market.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Ring, a smart ring that monitors various health metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, and EKG. The ring, which also functions as a smartphone shutter and will soon support payments and phone calls, is seen as a potential game-changer in wearable technology. Despite its high price, it could disrupt the market, particularly affecting companies like Apple and Oura. The ring is waterproof, has a 7-day battery life, and requires pairing with an Android device. Samsung's strategic launch coincides with its sponsorship of the upcoming Olympics, aiming to integrate technology with sports.
Samsung has preemptively sued Oura to block potential patent claims over its upcoming Galaxy Ring, seeking a declaratory judgment that it doesn't infringe on Oura's patents. The lawsuit highlights Oura's history of suing competitors and confirms details about the Galaxy Ring's design and release schedule. This legal move could significantly impact the smart ring market, where Oura has been a dominant player.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring has been listed on the FCC, revealing nine different models, battery capacities ranging from 17mAh to 22.5mAh, and a charging cradle. The models include SM-Q500 to SM-Q509, with connectivity via Bluetooth LE. The ring might be priced higher than expected and could come with a monthly subscription.
Samsung is set to launch its first smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, in July. To help buyers choose the right size, Samsung will send a Sizing Kit with sample rings for those who don't know their ring size. The Galaxy Ring will come in nine sizes and three color options, and it will feature various health tracking capabilities. Pricing is rumored to be around $300-$350, with potential subscription services for additional features.