Oura has introduced the fourth generation of its popular smart ring, known as the Oura Ring 4. This latest version comes almost three years after its predecessor’s release, focusing on refining the user experience rather than a complete overhaul.
The most significant hardware change in the Oura Ring 4 is its slimmer profile, enhancing the already compact design. Internally, the sensors are now recessed, promising a more consistent and comfortable fit for users.
Constructed from titanium, the same as the Oura 3, this new ring is lightweight yet durable. It is available in sizes ranging from 4 to 15 and six different colors, including a new “deeper black look.”
According to Oura, despite the recessed sensors, the Oura Ring 4 offers more accurate metrics. It features an accelerometer for movement tracking, green, red, and infrared LEDs for heart and respiratory rate monitoring, and a temperature sensor.
The placement of sensors within the Oura Ring 4 is asymmetric, offering varied distances and tissue penetration depths for more accurate measurements. This design aims to achieve optimal power efficiency and signal quality while accommodating different finger vasculature.
Designed to cater to a diverse user base with variations in skin tone, BMI, and age, the Oura Ring 4 can collect various metrics, including blood oxygen levels, cycle tracking, cardiovascular age, and stress levels.
Noteworthy data improvements in the Oura Ring 4 compared to the third-gen model include:
- A 120% improvement in signal quality for blood oxygen sensing (SpO2), resulting in a 30% increase in accuracy in overnight SpO2 measurement on average
- 15% more accurate breathing disturbance index (BDI) due to higher signal fidelity
- 7% reduction in gaps in the daytime heart rate graph
- 31% fewer gaps in the nighttime heart rate graph
The Oura Ring’s passive tracking technology contributes to its extended battery life, offering up to eight days and nights of use on a single charge. This feature, coupled with the absence of a screen, makes it more efficient than smartwatches in terms of battery usage.
Android users can access Oura Labs, a platform for testing experimental features, such as meal tracking. Oura Labs will integrate technology from metabolic health startup Veri, recently acquired by Oura.
Symptom Radar is another feature available in Oura Labs, notifying users of potential illness onset. This consumer version was originally developed for professional sports leagues during the pandemic’s early days.
A new feature in Oura Labs, Oura Advisor, utilizes AI to engage users in personalized health discussions. It leverages Oura health data and expertise to assist users in achieving their health goals.
The Oura Ring 4 is available for pre-order starting Thursday and will ship on October 15. Customers receive a one-month free membership to the software platform, with subsequent access priced at $6 monthly or $70 annually.
The third-gen Oura Ring will remain available until current stock is sold out.
