Oura Ring 4: the Next-Generation Smart Ring Oura Ring 4 is a next-generation smart ring from Finland's leading health tech companies. The launch follows the much-heralded Samsung Galaxy Ring, intensifying the competition in the smart ring market and adding to the challenges already posed by Circular Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air, RingConn, and the potential arrival of Apple. Buy: Oura Ring The new Oura Ring 4 may not introduce groundbreaking features, but it offers several notable improvements. Its market-leading eight-day battery life, slightly more compact design, and a wider range of sizes are likely to appeal to a broad user base. However, it is not the thinnest or lightest smart ring available, as Oura appears to have prioritised accuracy and battery longevity over achieving a slimmer form factor—a trade-off that may generate mixed reactions. Oura has solidified its reputation for accuracy with the Ring 4, significantly enhancing its sensor technology. The updated algorithm increases the number of signal pathways from 8 to 18, resulting in a reported 120% improvement in signal quality and a 30% boost in blood oxygen accuracy. It also reduces gaps in heart rate monitoring by 7% during the day and 31% at night, providing more consistent and reliable readings. While the redesigned charging dock is an improvement, the absence of a charging case with a built-in battery reserve could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially for users who need portability. Oura Ring 3 and Ring 4 users will benefit from the newly revamped Oura app, designed to improve usability with features like dynamic health summaries, detailed vitals, and long-term trend tracking. Oura continues to expand the app’s functionality, adding features for stress monitoring, reproductive health, and heart health. In the past year alone, Oura has introduced 24 new features, including automatic detection for 40 types of activities and fertile window predictions. The app’s redesign splits its interface into three sections: Today, Vitals, and My Health, offering personalised insights and comprehensive health tracking. The Oura Ring 4, priced at $349, will begin shipping on October 15th. Though the price has risen by $50 compared to the Gen 3, the $6 monthly or $70 annual subscription fee remains unchanged, with a free one-month trial for new users. While the subscription model may deter some, the steady stream of new features adds value for subscribers. [sc name="scouraring"][/sc] Oura Ring 4 - New Details Sensors Now recessed rather than protruding slightly into the finger Red and infrared LEDs measure blood oxygen levels during sleep Green and infrared LEDs alternate to measure heart rate, heart rate variability 24/7, and respiration rate during sleep Digital sensor measures temperature variations Accelerometer tracks movement and activity 24/7 Studies using Oura's Smart Sensing demonstrated 120% improvement in signal quality for blood oxygen sensing (SpO2), translating to a 30% increase in accuracy in average overnight SpO2 measurement 15% more accurate breathing disturbance index (BDI) thanks to the higher signal fidelity 7% fewer gaps in the daytime heart rate 31% fewer gaps in the nighttime heart rate Battery Life Up to 8 days of battery life Typically charges in 20-80 minutes, depending on battery level Colours Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold Sizes 4 to 15 (previously 6 to 13). Quality Materials Non-allergenic titanium on inner and outer ring surfaces Seamless titanium interior Water resistant up to 100m/328 ft Weight and Dimensions Width: 7.90mm Thickness: 2.88mm (similar to a wedding band) Weight: 3.3 to 5.2 grams (depending on ring size) Compatibility Integrates with 40+ apps Available on iOS and Android Connectivity Bluetooth Low Energy Automatic firmware updates via the Oura App EMF-safe Airplane mode supported FCC-certified [sc name="scouraring"][/sc]
