On Thursday, Oura introduced the fifth iteration of its acclaimed smart ring, the Ring 5, which is priced starting at $399. Touted as the smallest smart ring globally, this latest model arrives just 18 months after the release of the Ring 4 and seven months following the Ring 4 Ceramic. The Ring 5 is 40% smaller than its predecessor and boasts improved sensing capabilities along with enhanced battery life.
Alongside the Ring 5, Oura is rolling out significant software updates that will introduce features such as blood pressure monitoring, live activity tracking, and on-demand health care, which will also be available for Oura Ring Gen3 and later models.
Pre-orders for the new smart ring are open now, with shipping scheduled to begin on June 4. The Ring 5 is offered in sizes ranging from 6 to 13 and comes in six stylish finishes, including a revamped Gold with a more authentic hue, an updated Deep Rose, Silver, Brushed Silver, Black, and Stealth. The Black and Silver options retail at $399, while the other finishes are priced at $499, compared to the starting price of $349 for the Ring 4.
According to Maz Brumand, Oura's VP of Product, the company has successfully reduced the ring's width by approximately two millimeters and its thickness by about 30%. This design evolution was driven by feedback from Oura members who desired a more compact and lighter ring. The new dimensions were achieved through a comprehensive redesign of the ring's mechanical, electrical, optical, battery, and sensing systems.
The Ring 5 aims to attract a wider audience, particularly those who found previous smart rings cumbersome. Oura emphasizes that this model is designed to seamlessly blend in with other rings.
With the competitive landscape intensifying due to new entrants like RingConn and Ultrahuman, Oura recognizes the need for innovation. The company's swift launch of the Ring 5, just a year and a half after the previous model, reflects this urgency. The announcement comes just before the shipping of RingConn's Gen 3 model.
Regarding battery performance, the Ring 5 can last between six to nine days, surpassing the five to eight days offered by its predecessor. Oura has also enhanced its sensors for better skin contact and incorporated more powerful LEDs to improve accuracy across diverse finger sizes and skin tones.
Software Enhancements
One of the standout features of the software update is "Health Radar," which continuously monitors key biometric signals to identify patterns that users should be aware of. This tool includes capabilities for tracking blood pressure and nighttime breathing patterns.
With the Blood Pressure Signals feature, Oura will monitor blood pressure during sleep, a time when cardiovascular patterns are typically stable. This proactive approach aims to catch potential cardiovascular risks that might be overlooked during daytime assessments.
Additionally, Oura is partnering with Counsel Health to provide users with access to personalized medical advice through the app. Members will also have the option to import health data, including diagnosed conditions and medications, to gain a comprehensive view of their health.
Oura is also venturing into brain health research with a new study aimed at correlating daily activities with long-term cognitive health outcomes. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to expanding its health insights and fostering user well-being.
