Oura, the popular smart ring brand, has been gaining attention in the market for its advanced sleep monitoring and heart rate tracking capabilities. The third-generation Oura Ring, released in October 2021, received rave reviews for its sleek design and comfortable fit. As we look forward to the fourth-generation Oura Ring, which is expected to be released this year, it faces tough competition from the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Ring.
While there haven’t been any official announcements about the Oura Ring 4, considering the release cycle of previous models, it’s likely to arrive in 2024. Oura CEO Tom Hale hinted at “new features” for the year ahead but didn’t mention anything about new hardware. As for pricing, the current Oura Ring 3 starts at $299 / £299 (about AU$460), and we hope the next model stays at a similar price point.
Though there haven’t been many leaks or rumors about the Oura Ring 4 yet, there’s a possibility that it may include digital payment features following Oura’s recent acquisition of digital identity company Proxy. This could pave the way for contactless payments using the smart ring. Additionally, Oura has launched a beta software program called Oura Labs, which allows users to test new features before they are officially released. The first feature being tested is Symptom Radar, a system that monitors various biometrics to provide users with preemptive warnings about potential health issues.
Another factor that may influence the design and features of the Oura Ring 4 is the impending release of the Samsung Galaxy Ring in July 2024. Though only a prototype has been showcased so far, the Galaxy Ring promises advanced AI-assisted sleep insights. To keep up with this competition, Oura will need to ensure that both the hardware and software of its next smart ring are on par with Samsung’s offering.
Drawing from our experience with the Oura Ring 3, there are a few improvements we’d like to see in the fourth-generation model. First, we hope for an easier fitting process. Currently, users have to try on plastic mock-ups to find the right size, and Oura acknowledges that this can be tedious. Augmented reality smartphone apps could potentially make the fitting process more seamless.
Second, we believe there is room for improvement in accuracy. While the Oura Ring 3 generally performed well, it sometimes struggled to correctly identify workouts, with mundane activities such as cooking or hair brushing counting towards daily goals. With more data and improved algorithms, we hope to see increased accuracy in the Oura Ring 4.
Additionally, we’d like to see the inclusion of more statistics in the next model. While the Oura Ring 3 excels in tracking heart rate and sleep quality, its capabilities in other areas, such as running, lag behind dedicated running watches. We hope that the engineers at Oura can enhance these features to cater to a wider range of users.
Furthermore, we believe there is room for refinement in the design of the Oura Ring 4. While smart rings are generally less obtrusive and more comfortable than smartwatches or fitness trackers, the Oura Ring 3 was criticized for being a bit bulky. We hope to see a lighter and thinner design in the next iteration, potentially using more durable materials.
Lastly, we hope for more affordable subscription options. While we understand the need for Oura to generate revenue, the increasing number of digital subscriptions can be overwhelming for users. The Oura Ring 3 requires a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 in the US, or $6.99 outside the US, to access advanced insights. We suggest that Oura consider reducing the monthly cost or offering promotional deals for longer-term subscriptions to ease the financial burden on users.
In conclusion, the upcoming Oura Ring 4 holds promise with potential improvements in design, accuracy, features, and pricing. With competition from the Samsung Galaxy Ring looming, Oura will need to ensure that its next-generation smart ring meets and exceeds user expectations. By addressing the areas of improvement identified by users and experts, Oura has the opportunity to solidify its position as one of the leading brands in the smart ring market.
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