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The tech world seems to attach the word “smart” to so many products and devices these days and one of the latest is smart rings. But what are smart rings and how do they work?
This article introduces you to the world of smart rings, a cutting-edge wearable technology that combines convenience with innovation. You’ll discover what smart rings are, their functions, and how they work. We also highlight this technology’s key features and applications.
- What is a smart ring?
- How smart rings work
- Common features of smart rings
- Some benefits of using a smart ring
What is a smart ring?
Like a traditional ring, a smart ring is an electronic band worn on your fingers. However, unlike regular rings, these bands have sensors and combine Bluetooth with Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology.
The sensors read your body and collect information about your activity and health. For instance, the ring reads your pulse rate and how many steps you walk. The features your smart ring has depend on the manufacturer.
Unlike a smart watch which displays information on a small screen, a smart ring is too compact to have a screen. To view the data you pair your smart ring with your smartphone or tablet. The app provides menus for managing notifications, adding IDs, and performing other customisations. There is also a digital wallet that links the ring to a bank card and other payment methods.
How smart rings work
The uses of a smart ring vary across the different brands and models. You’ll typically connect your device and smart ring via Bluetooth to synchronise data. Some smart rings support connecting with Apple Health and Google Fit. The NFC chip allows the smart ring to communicate with other devices across short distances. You can use your ring as a remote control for intelligent appliances, a payment method, and as an authentication key. Let’s see what else a smart ring can do.
1. Track your health and fitness
The sensors in the ring gather data about your blood pressure, heart rate, sleep patterns, walking steps, and more so you can track your health and fitness levels.
2. Music playback
You can use your smart ring to control music playback, such as selecting songs, skipping songs, adjusting the volume and so on.
3. Receive notifications
If you receive a text message or a call, your smart ring will vibrate. Some models of smart rings even light up in a variety of colours when notifications come in.
4. Smart home control
You can use your ring to adjust thermostats within the home, turn lights on and off with hand motions, and even use it as a key to open doors.
5. Mobile security
When you add your smart ring to your tablet or phone’s trusted devices, you can use it to unlock the device without passwords, patterns, or a PIN.
Common features of smart rings
Let’s now cover some of the common features of a smart ring. Again, these features will vary depending on the brand and model of the smart ring.
A. Accelerometer sensor
This sensor enables the smart ring to record body movement, such as how many steps you walk, the distance, and how many calories you burn.
B. Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor
This sensor emits LED lights on the skin, analysing the reflection for changes in heart rate and blood volume variations.
C. NTC thermistor sensor
This sensor tracks changes in your body temperature.
D. Gyroscope sensor
The Gyroscope sensor works with the accelerometer to analyse the orientation of your body and accurately detect movement.
E. Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) sensor
The SpO2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
F. Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensor
This sensor is a sweat detector. It monitors the amount of sweat production on your finger to ascertain your stress levels and emotional state.
These are currently the most common features of smart rings, but manufacturers will surely add more features as smart ring technology evolves.
Some benefits of using a smart ring
One of the main benefits of a smart ring is its portability. The combination of traditional ring design and modern technology creates both a fashion statement and a way to discreetly control your affairs. You don’t need your phone or tablet nearby to use your smart ring. You only need these devices to view the collected data.
If you’re health and fitness conscious, a smart ring will be your favourite companion. Prolonged contact with your body provides more complete data sets for accuracy and alerts you to any irregularities.
Rechargeable smart rings like the Ōura will last up to one week on a single charge. As they have no illuminated screens, they consume less power.
Some people have allergies to certain metals and therefore can’t wear rings and other jewellery. Manufacturers of smart rings factor in allergies when designing and producing the rings. Most models use non-corrosive and hypoallergenic materials, such as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Zirconia ceramics.
Some smart rings are also water resistant up to 100 metres. Be sure to check this feature before making a purchase.
New equipment setup with Computer Cures
When you get new equipment or gadgets like a smart ring, you may need assistance setting them up and connecting them with your other devices. That’s where the team at Computer Cures can help. We specialise in multi device setup. We’ll set up your smart ring with your other devices so everything works seamlessly. Contact us today for further information or to book an appointment.
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