Ultrahuman, a leading innovator in the wearable technology space, has unveiled a significant upgrade to its flagship product, the Ring Air. The smart ring is now equipped with atrial fibrillation (Afib) detection, a potentially life-saving feature that joins the ranks of other advanced health tracking capabilities.
Afib Detection: A New Frontier for Smart Rings
Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke. Ultrahuman’s integration of Afib detection into the Ring Air marks a significant step forward in wearable health technology. By leveraging photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, the ring can continuously monitor heart rhythm for irregularities indicative of Afib.
While Afib detection has been a staple feature in smartwatches for some time, Ultrahuman’s approach offers a unique advantage: discreetness. The Ring Air’s unobtrusive design allows users to monitor their heart health without the bulk or visibility of a smartwatch.
Subscription Model for Advanced Features
To access the Afib detection feature, users will need to subscribe to an additional plan for a monthly fee of $4.90. This subscription model is designed to support ongoing research, development, and maintenance of the Afib detection algorithm. Ultrahuman has indicated plans to expand the availability of Afib detection to the US and Indian markets soon, pending regulatory approvals.
It’s important to note that while Ultrahuman is confident in the accuracy of its Afib detection algorithm, the company is taking a cautious approach to its rollout. By focusing on regions with established regulatory frameworks, Ultrahuman aims to minimize false positives and negatives, ensuring the technology delivers reliable and actionable insights.
PowerPlugs: Unleashing the Potential of Ring Air
In addition to the Afib detection feature, Ultrahuman is introducing “PowerPlugs,” a developer platform that opens up the Ring Air to third-party app development. This innovative approach allows developers to create custom applications and plugins tailored to the unique capabilities of the Ring Air, leveraging its rich dataset of health information.
By providing developers with access to the Ring Air’s SDK, Ultrahuman is fostering a vibrant ecosystem of health and wellness applications. Users can expect a growing library of PowerPlugs, ranging from free to premium options, offering a personalized and comprehensive health tracking experience.
Core Features Remain Subscription-Free
Ultrahuman is committed to providing essential health tracking features without requiring a subscription. Core functionalities like sleep monitoring, activity tracking, and stress management will continue to be available to all Ring Air users. This approach differentiates Ultrahuman from competitors like Oura, which relies on a subscription model for its core features.
The Future of Smart Rings
The introduction of Afib detection and the PowerPlugs platform solidifies Ultrahuman’s position as a leader in the smart ring market. As the wearable technology landscape continues to evolve, Ultrahuman’s focus on innovation, user privacy, and data security positions the company for continued growth and success.
FAQs
How does Ultrahuman Ring Air detect Afib?
The Ring Air uses photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to monitor heart rhythm for irregularities indicative of Afib.
Is a subscription required for all features of the Ring Air?
No, core features like sleep tracking and activity monitoring are available without a subscription. Afib detection and certain PowerPlugs may require a subscription.
Is Afib detection available in all regions?
Currently, Afib detection is available in select regions like the EU, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Ultrahuman plans to expand availability to the US and India soon.
What is the PowerPlugs platform?
PowerPlugs is a platform that allows third-party developers to create apps and plugins for the Ring Air, expanding its functionality.
