Latest news with #smartwearables
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
Oura Ring 5 wishlist: All the features I want to see
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority The smart ring arena is evolving quickly, but Oura still sets the pace. Its current-generation ring is polished, feature-packed, and impressively reliable. Yet, no device line is immune to the itch for something more. With new rivals entering the scene and wearables advancing rapidly, now feels like the right time to think about what's next. The Oura Ring 5 is likely a ways out, but I'm already daydreaming about what the next model might include. A refined design Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority The strength of the Oura Ring has always been its compact, unobtrusive form factor. That said, the design isn't everything I'd like it to be in terms of comfort and aesthetics. While the current generation is lightweight and generally discreet, it feels noticeably thick, especially for users with smaller hands or those who, like me, who wear multiple rings. It's also uncomfortable during strength workouts involving weights or bars. Despite refinements made between the Gen 3 and Gen 4, including the removal of bulbous sensors, the newest model remains bulkier than competitors like the Galaxy Ring, which I find sleeker, more scratch-resistant, and generally more comfortable. I'd love to see the Oura Ring 5 launch with a slightly slimmer profile (without sacrificing battery life or sensor accuracy). Additional finishes (with full coatings, please) and expanded sizing options would also broaden its appeal without compromising the brand's core design language. Finger-based haptics I'm also eager to see haptic feedback make its way to the Oura Ring 5. The first time I heard about haptics on a smart ring was when I tested the Circular Ring Slim, and honestly, I was a bit creeped out by the idea. But after using the device, I grew to love the gentle vibrations for alarms and timer alerts. Adding haptics to the Oura Ring would bring that same inconspicuous, practical functionality and make the ring an even more useful tool. Considering how powerful Oura's sleep tracking is, it only makes sense for the device to act as an alarm as well. A more powerful charging apparatus Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority The current Oura Ring lineup comes with a wired charging puck that requires a power outlet, which limits portability and convenience. While the system gets the job done, it falls short compared to the compact charging cases offered by competitors. These cases include built-in batteries, letting users top up their devices on the go without needing to be plugged in. That means less cable management and more flexibility. A charging case is one of my biggest requests for the Oura Ring 5. It would just improve usability; it would also help Oura keep its edge, instead of feeling like it's behind the ball. Digital payment support I'm really hoping the Oura Ring 5 brings NFC support for contactless payments to users' fingers. For starters, paying with your wearable is no longer a nice-to-have, it's fairly standard. More specifically, it would make the ring a much more powerful stand-alone device and give me another reason to leave my smartwatch at home. I know a smart ring won't ever pack all the features of a wrist-based, screen-touting wearable, but adding NFC feels like a very achievable upgrade that would make a big difference. Even longer battery life Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I know the Oura Ring 4 already puts most smartwatches to shame, but more is always more when it comes to battery life. In the next generation, I'm hoping to see even better efficiency, whether through smarter power management or a slightly larger battery, without adding bulk. Longer time between charges means more freedom to wear the ring continuously, especially during travel or busy weeks, and that's exactly the kind of upgrade that keeps wearables user-friendly. What do you want to see on the Oura Ring 5? 0 votes Refined design cues NaN % Haptics NaN % Acharging case with a built-in battery NaN % NFC support NaN % Longer battery life NaN % Will there be an Oura Ring 5? Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority As of now, Oura hasn't officially confirmed the existence or release timeline of an Oura Ring 5. Since we're not even a year into the current generation, that's not too surprising. The company typically keeps future product plans under wraps until it's ready to make an announcement. That said, given the success and popularity of the current generation, it seems likely that a next-gen model is in the works, or will be soon. Oura Ring 2 — announced in November 2017 announced in November 2017 Oura Ring 3 — October 3, 2021 October 3, 2021 Oura Ring 4 — October 15, 2024 The latest Oura Ring launched almost exactly three years after its predecessor, each arriving in October. My best guess is that we'll have a similarly long wait for the next model. Oura doesn't release new hardware annually like many smartwatch brands. The wait might seem taxing, but it also means we are much more likely to see significant upgrades from generation to generation. Should you wait for the Oura Ring 5? Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Waiting for the next Oura Ring might sound okay in theory, but in practice, it means missing out on months, or even years, of useful health insights. The Oura Ring 5 isn't around the corner, and given Oura's release cadence, it probably won't be for quite a while. The current model, the Oura Ring 4, already nails the fundamentals: holistic wellness tracking, accurate sleep monitoring, and a low-profile design that will fit into your life without fuss. It's a fantastic device that's available now. If you want to optimize your health, putting it off for a future version doesn't make sense. With that said, the Oura Ring 4 isn't the only smart ring out there. The Galaxy Ring ($399.99 at Amazon) is a solid pick for anyone within the Samsung ecosystem. It's lightweight and comfortable and features unique integration with Samsung phones and Galaxy Watches. The RingConn Gen 2 ($299 at Manufacturer site) and Gen 2 Air ($199 at Amazon) are each good budget-friendly options.
The Verge
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Verge
Ultrahuman's absurdly expensive Home monitor doesn't do much
Smart wearables company Ultrahuman has launched a new device that monitors changes in home environments that could impact your health. Ultrahuman says its $549 Home gadge t tracks air quality, temperature, noise, light, and humidity, helping users optimize the climate within their homes to improve breathing and sleeping habits. The Ultrahuman Home resembles a Mac Mini in terms of size and appearance. Its air quality features monitor levels of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and chemical pollutants like acetone and formaldehyde. The device also tracks noise levels and various types of light exposure, including UVA, UVB, UVC, blue, red, green, and infrared, to help users 'align home lighting with their body's natural rhythm,' according to Ultrahuman. Users who have an Ultrahuman Ring wearable can pair it with the Home device to unlock an 'UltraSync' feature that suggests how environmental data may be impacting heart rate, sleep, and recovery patterns. For example, Ultrahuman says that UltraSync can suggest if the user was woken during the night by elevated noise or light levels. We should note that the Ultrahuman Home won't actually address the concerns it detects. The device is equipped with sensors and microphones for monitoring environmental changes via a mobile app, but it doesn't include features like a built-in dehumidifier or air purification, and it doesn't offer any way to integrate it into smart home ecosystems. There's no recurring subscription to pay, and Ultrahuman says the 'data and insights are with the user, always.'
