Revolutionizing Wearable Tech: The Rise of Intelligent Rings

Health enthusiasts have been focused on smartwatches for some time, but attention is now turning to something a bit more subtle: smart rings. Stars like Alia Bhatt and Jennifer Aniston are already embracing this phenomenon.

These stylish, minimalist gadgets perform many of the functions of smartwatches, albeit in a much more compact and discreet shape. Allegedly, in spite of their size, they can still monitor your fitness and health, and the advantage is that you will hardly even perceive their presence.

Typically crafted from robust titanium; they can endure for 7-10 days on a single charge. Weighing as little as 2.8 grams, they are designed for continuous health monitoring without added bulk. Naturally, unlike smartwatches, they lack a display and operate through sensors, so they must be paired with your phone or tablet to function properly.

With numerous brands set to launch smart rings in 2024, we find ourselves pondering: Are they the future of health technology, or is this merely exaggerated?

Health data at your disposal

Dr Taufiq R Panjwani, a senior joint replacement and arthroscopy physician at Shalby Hospitals, observes, “Many of these smart rings offer a comprehensive overview of an individual’s health, including heart rate, sleep cycles, REM phases, SpO2 levels, and even ECG information. These data assist fitness aficionados in recognizing areas for enhancement in their lifestyles.”

Furthermore, according to the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) India Monthly Wearable Device Tracker, the momentum for smart rings is still growing, with around 72,000 smart rings being shipped in India in Q2 2024, priced at an average of $204.6 (approximately ₹17354).

Jitendra Chouksey, founder and CEO of FITTR, elaborates on why smart rings are becoming more popular: “Rings worn on fingers are located closer to blood vessels, which translates to increased accuracy since they are more sensitive. They assess heart rates and other metrics at significantly higher frequencies, enhancing their capabilities in calculating aspects like calorie expenditure,” he asserts.

In addition, Dhiraj Singh, a fitness yoga specialist, states, “Important metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, activity rates, and even stress offer users key health insights, and with the application of AI and biometric data, smart rings present individualized health advice that promotes proactive wellness.”

Gaurav Gupta, founder and CEO of Gabit, notes that the consent-based data sharing functionality has rendered smart rings appealing to healthcare professionals. He remarks, “Our consent-driven data sharing feature makes it enticing for medical experts to recommend smart rings to their patients, heralding a new era in healthcare with continuous health monitoring. As wearables become crucial to preventive healthcare and lifestyle enhancement, smart rings are leading the charge.”

What lies ahead for smart rings?

Dr Siddhant Bhargava, an expert in fitness and nutrition, forecasts that smart rings will soon be an essential aspect of our everyday lives: “Their potential is rapidly broadening, with integration into smart home technologies and health tracking applications. Smart rings align seamlessly with modern living, where minimalism and multitasking are essential. They’re not just a fleeting trend; they symbolize the future of technology seamlessly integrated into our everyday existence, boosting both efficiency and interconnectivity.”

Brands to consider:

boAt Smart Ring Gen 1 – ₹8,999

Gabit Smart Ring – ₹13,110

Pebble Iris Smart Ring – ₹5,999

Bonatra X1 Smart Ring – ₹11,863

ULTRAHUMAN Ring Air – ₹28,499

Samsung Galaxy Ring – ₹38,999

aabo AI Smart Ring – ₹13,998

Amazfit Helio Smart Ring – ₹25,999

FITTR Hart Smart Fitness Tracker Ring – ₹15,999

Voods Smart Ring – ₹4,799

Pi Ring X – ₹11,999

Noise Luna Smart Ring – ₹19,999

Don’t forget to verify your ring size, as fingers can swell, and numerous models are water-resistant, making them perfect for swimming or aquatic activities.