Oura, the pioneer in smart ring technology, has unveiled its latest innovation - the Oura Ring 4. This new iteration promises enhanced comfort and more accurate health monitoring, arriving just as tech giants like Apple and Samsung are entering the wearable ring market.
Sleeker Design, Wider Size Range
The Oura Ring 4 boasts a sleeker profile compared to its predecessors. Gone are the sensor bumps on the interior, replaced by recessed sensors for a smooth inner surface. This redesign aims to improve comfort for 24/7 wear. Additionally, Oura has expanded its size offerings, now ranging from size 4 to 15, accommodating a broader range of users.
Enhanced Health Tracking
At the heart of the Ring 4 is Oura's new Smart Sensing technology. This combines updated algorithms with research-grade sensors to provide more accurate tracking of sleep, exercise, stress, and heart health. The company claims this new system can adapt to each user's unique finger physiology for personalized insights.
Pricing and Availability
The Oura Ring 4 is available for pre-order starting at $349 for silver or black finishes. Premium finishes like brushed silver or stealth (matte black) are priced at $399, while gold and rose gold options command $499. Shipments are scheduled to begin on October 15, 2024.
It's worth noting that Oura continues to require a subscription for full functionality. After a complimentary first month, users will need to pay $5.99 monthly or $69.99 annually to access most features and detailed health insights.
Redesigned App Experience
Accompanying the new hardware is a completely overhauled mobile app. Oura has streamlined the interface to three main tabs, aiming to provide a more holistic view of users' health while still allowing them to dive into detailed metrics when desired.
Market Competition Heats Up
The launch of the Oura Ring 4 comes at a critical time for the company. While Oura currently holds 52% of the smart ring market, it faces increasing competition. Samsung recently introduced its Galaxy Ring, and Apple has been expanding health features in its AirPods and Apple Watch lines.
Battery Life and Longevity Concerns
Oura claims the Ring 4 offers up to 8 days of battery life on a single charge, a slight improvement over the 7 days quoted for the Gen 3 model. However, some users have reported significant battery degradation in older Oura rings after about two years of use. It remains to be seen if the Ring 4 will address these long-term durability concerns.
As wearable health tech becomes increasingly sophisticated, the Oura Ring 4 represents the company's effort to stay ahead of the curve. With its refined design and enhanced tracking capabilities, Oura aims to solidify its position in the growing smart ring market.