The newly announced Oura Ring 4 has made a powerful entrance into the wearable tech market, posing a significant challenge to the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
Having used the Galaxy Ring since its launch in late July, I initially appreciated its seamless interaction with my devices and the absence of ongoing subscription fees. However, as time went on, I found myself wanting more from it.
The arrival of the Oura Ring 4 brings heightened competition, as it aims to deliver superior functionality and user experience.
Oura Ring 4 Overview
For those unfamiliar, the Oura Ring 3 features a textured interior due to its sensors, akin to the Galaxy Ring. In my experience, this texture was minimally noticeable on both devices. However, Oura has redesigned the fourth-generation ring with recessed sensors for improved comfort.
Additionally, Oura has expanded the number of signal pathways in the Oura Ring 4 from eight to 18, applying its Smart Sensing technology, ensuring the ring adapts to the unique characteristics of the user’s finger, including factors such as skin tone and BMI.
Enhanced Accuracy
The increase in signal pathways translates to enhanced accuracy, with claims of a 30 percent improvement in blood-oxygen sensing accuracy and a 15 percent boost in monitoring breathing disturbances over the previous model. Furthermore, users can expect fewer gaps in their heart-rate data.
The Oura Ring 4 employs a multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) system that uses diverse LED lights to gather essential health metrics.
Key health and wellness metrics monitored by the Oura Ring 4 include:
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Heart rate
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Heart-rate variability
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Bedtime detection
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Sleep staging
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Blood oxygen levels (spO2)
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Cardiovascular age
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Cardio Capacity
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Daytime stress and resilience
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Body clock and chronotype
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Cycle insights
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Automatic Activity Detection
Moreover, Oura’s enhanced sensors mean that accurate readings are less contingent on the ring’s position on the finger.
Improved Battery Life
While both the Oura Ring 3 and Samsung Galaxy Ring claim about seven days of battery life, the Oura Ring 4 boasts improved efficiency, with a potential duration of up to eight days.
Expanded Size Options
Responding to consumer demand, the Oura Ring 4 now offers a variety of sizes, ranging from 4 up to 15, making it a more inclusive option for diverse users.
When ordering online, Oura provides a complimentary sizing kit to ensure perfect fit.
Stylish Designs
The Oura Ring 4 is available in six appealing finishes, including the standout Gold, which has quickly become a favorite for its aesthetic appeal.
Updated App Features
The Oura app is set to receive a significant update with the introduction of the Oura Labs feature, which includes an AI-powered Oura Advisor. This tool will provide personalized health guidance based on user data.
The Oura Ring 4 is now available for pre-order, starting at $349, which includes a one-month membership. Following the trial period, a subscription will cost $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year. The official release date is set for October 15.
Topics
Fitness Trackers
Fitness Tech
