On Thursday, Oura unveiled its highly anticipated fourth-generation smart ring, the Oura Ring 4. This new model comes nearly three years after the launch of its predecessor, the Oura Ring 3. While the time gap between the two versions is significant, the Oura Ring 4 primarily builds on the strengths of the previous model, refining its design and functionality rather than introducing radical changes.
Design and Hardware Improvements
One of the most noticeable improvements in the Oura Ring 4 is its slimmer profile. For a device that was already compact, making it even thinner enhances its appeal to those looking for a sleek, minimalistic wearable. The company has focused on improving user comfort, particularly in how the device interacts with the skin. The most significant adjustment in this area is the redesign of the sensors inside the ring. In the previous models, the sensors were slightly raised, but the Oura Ring 4 integrates them more seamlessly by recessing them into the ring’s body. This alteration ensures a more consistent fit and, ideally, a more comfortable experience for users.
Like its predecessor, the Oura Ring 4 is made from titanium, a material known for its strength and lightweight properties. This keeps the weight comparable to that of a traditional, non-smart ring, which is a key selling point for a wearable that aims to be as unobtrusive as possible. Users can choose from an expanded range of sizes, from 4 to 15, and six colors, including a "deeper black" option that offers a more premium aesthetic.
Enhanced Sensor Technology and Metrics
Although the physical redesign of the Oura Ring 4 is subtle, its internal hardware and sensor capabilities have seen significant improvements. Despite moving the sensors away from direct contact with the skin, the new ring actually collects more accurate data than the previous version. Oura claims that this increased accuracy is due to an upgraded array of sensors, including an accelerometer for detecting movement, green, red, and infrared LEDs for measuring heart rate and respiratory rate, and a temperature sensor. These additions allow the device to offer a more comprehensive suite of health metrics.
The Oura Ring 4 also utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, which measure blood flow by detecting changes in light absorption. The company has strategically placed these sensors asymmetrically around the ring’s interior. This design choice allows the ring to gather data from different parts of the finger, accommodating variations in finger anatomy across users. Oura emphasizes that this design improves power efficiency while providing higher-quality signals, especially for users with differing skin tones, body mass indexes (BMI), and other physical characteristics.
Among the key metrics the Oura Ring 4 can track are heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), sleep stages, and body temperature. Notably, the ring retains its ability to measure blood oxygen levels — a feature that sets it apart from other popular wearables, including the latest Apple Watch. The Oura Ring 4's suite of sensors allows it to track a wide range of metrics, from basic health indicators like steps and calories burned to more complex data such as cardiovascular health, stress levels, and even menstrual cycle tracking.
Data Accuracy and Performance Enhancements
The Oura Ring 4 introduces several improvements in terms of data accuracy compared to the third-generation model. Oura reports a 120% improvement in signal quality for blood oxygen sensing, which results in a 30% increase in the accuracy of overnight SpO2 measurements. This is particularly valuable for users who are interested in monitoring their respiratory health, especially during sleep.
Other enhancements include a 15% increase in the accuracy of the breathing disturbance index (BDI), which tracks irregularities in breathing patterns that could signal underlying health issues, such as sleep apnea. The company has also reduced the number of gaps in heart rate tracking, improving both daytime (7% fewer gaps) and nighttime (31% fewer gaps) heart rate readings. These improvements ensure that the Oura Ring 4 provides users with more consistent and reliable health data.
Battery Life and Power Efficiency
One of the standout features of the Oura Ring series has always been its impressive battery life, especially compared to other wearables like smartwatches. The Oura Ring 4 continues this tradition with a battery that lasts up to eight days on a single charge. This extended battery life is made possible, in part, by the ring's lack of a screen, which allows it to conserve power more efficiently than devices with displays. For users who prioritize long-term tracking without frequent recharging, this feature is a significant advantage.
New Features and Software Updates
In addition to hardware upgrades, Oura is rolling out several new software features with the release of the Oura Ring 4. Android users, in particular, will benefit from the introduction of Oura Labs, a platform that allows users to test experimental features before they are widely released. One of the most intriguing additions is meal tracking, which aligns with Oura’s recent acquisition of Veri, a startup focused on metabolic health. This new capability suggests that the Oura Ring 4 could soon offer more advanced insights into how diet and nutrition impact overall well-being.
Another new feature is Symptom Radar, a tool designed to alert users when they may be getting sick. This feature builds on Oura's previous work with professional sports leagues, particularly during the NBA's bubble season during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using health data to predict potential illness, Symptom Radar could be a valuable tool for individuals looking to stay on top of their health.
Oura is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience. The Oura Advisor, currently in the experimental phase, leverages generative AI to create personalized health recommendations based on user data. This feature aims to provide users with more in-depth insights into their health and offer guidance on how to achieve their wellness goals.
Availability and Pricing
The Oura Ring 4 is available for preorder starting this Thursday and will begin shipping on October 15. Pricing for the new ring starts at $349, and users will receive one month of free access to Oura's software subscription, which is required for full functionality. After the free trial, the membership costs $6 per month or $70 for a full year.
Interestingly, Oura has decided to keep the third-generation ring on sale until the current inventory is depleted. This move suggests that the company is positioning the Oura Ring 4 as a premium upgrade for users who want the latest features, while still offering a more affordable option for those who are satisfied with the third-generation model.
Conclusion
The Oura Ring 4 represents a thoughtful evolution of the company's smart ring platform, focusing on improving comfort, sensor accuracy, and battery life while introducing new software features that expand its health-tracking capabilities. With its sleek design, advanced health metrics, and long-lasting battery, the Oura Ring 4 continues to set the standard for smart rings. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a data-driven health tracker, or someone looking for a less intrusive wearable, the Oura Ring 4 offers a compelling option in the increasingly competitive world of health-focused wearables.
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