The smart ring has long been overshadowed by the smartwatch. For years, tech giants like Apple and Google have battled for dominance over wrists, leaving the smart ring market relatively quiet. This quieter space has allowed startups to innovate and carve out their niche.
However, the landscape is changing rapidly. Samsung is set to debut its first finger-worn wellness tracker later this month. Meanwhile, Oura, a veteran in the smart ring space, is making significant moves into retail.
Indian startup Ultrahuman is making waves with its latest updates, positioning itself strongly in the competitive market. Notably, Ultrahuman’s new Ring Air now offers AFib (atrial fibrillation) detection.
- AFib Detection: Available as a premium option for a $4.90 monthly subscription, this feature uses FibriCheck, a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based technique. This technique measures heart rhythm by applying a light source to the skin and monitoring changes in blood volume. Both the FDA and European medical device regulators have approved FibriCheck.
- Regulatory Approvals: The AFib detection feature is currently available in Australia, the EU, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Efforts are underway to bring it to the U.S. and Indian markets within the next two to three months.
- Accuracy: Ultrahuman’s CEO, Mohit Kumar, stated that their tests show the detection algorithm runs with a sensitivity of 91.86% and specificity of 97.59%.
| Feature | Ultrahuman Ring Air | Oura Ring | Samsung Galaxy Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFib Detection | Yes ($4.90/month) | No | TBD |
| Vitamin D Tracking | Yes (Free) | Yes (Subscription Required) | TBD |
| Caffeine Window | Yes (Free) | Yes (Subscription Required) | TBD |
| Pregnancy Insights | Yes (Free) | No | TBD |
| Cycle Tracking | Yes (Free) | No | TBD |
| Subscription Required | No (Core Features Free) | Yes | No (Initially) |
Alongside the launch of AFib detection, Ultrahuman is introducing “PowerPlugs,” a platform for third-party developers to create individual apps and plug-ins using Ultrahuman’s health and wellness data. This move allows for greater customization of the smart ring’s functions, catering to a diverse user base.
- SDK Access: Developers can use Ultrahuman’s SDK to build features that leverage data from the Ring Air and the CGM (continuous glucose monitor) metabolic tracking service.
- User Customization: Users can now choose and customize features, making the app’s interface cleaner and more user-friendly.
- No Subscription for Core Features: Unlike its competitor Oura, Ultrahuman’s core features remain free of subscription charges. Only a subset of premium services, such as AFib detection, require additional payment.
Ultrahuman emphasizes user privacy, ensuring that only de-identified, anonymized data is sent to third-party services. This approach minimizes the risk of data privacy breaches.
- Privacy Measures: De-identified data sent to third parties.
- Premium Services: Only additional services that require regulatory approval or third-party costs will incur charges.
As the competition in the smart ring space heats up, innovations like Ultrahuman’s AFib detection and developer platform could impact the market. The company’s focus on providing a subscription-free experience for core features sets it apart from competitors like Oura.
- Innovation and Customization: The introduction of PowerPlugs opens the door for a myriad of new applications and services, potentially driving innovation in the smart ring market.
- Global Expansion: With plans to expand AFib detection to the U.S. and India, Ultrahuman is poised to become a major player in the global wellness technology market.
Noteworthy Features and User Experience Enhancements
- Customization: Users can select and personalize the features they find most useful, such as overall sleep scores or stimulant window recommendations.
- Free Plug-Ins: Many new PowerPlugs will be free, including features like Vitamin D tracking, Caffeine Window, Circadian Alignment, Pregnancy insights, and Cycle tracking.
- Paid Services: Only a few new services might be paid to encourage third-party developers and cover direct costs.
“When it comes to health, one size doesn’t fit all,” said Kumar. “That’s why we built PowerPlugs for people to pick and choose what matters most for their health and wellness. Over the next few years, you can expect thousands of applications to be built on top of Ultrahuman’s comprehensive health data platform.”
Ultrahuman’s Ring Air is setting new standards in the smart ring market with its innovative features and developer platform. As the competition intensifies, the company’s focus on user customization and privacy, along with its subscription-free core features, positions it as a formidable player in the wellness technology landscape.
Featured Image courtesy of SlashGear
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