The Sunday Mail
INSTEAD of “I do”, imagine declaring: “With this smart ring, I wed thee.”
4IR Simplified
John Tseriwa
In just a few years, this might become a reality, helping weave technology into the very fabric of love and commitment.
Are you curious about these high-tech rings?
Well, dive into this article as we unravel the smart ring.
In 2010, a ring was introduced to technology and it was key to digital connection.
Lightness, convenience and a newfound link to computerised efficiency were the driving forces.
It is this revolutionary concept that has blossomed into the modern smart ring, a fingertip companion for sleep tracking, health monitoring and even, in select models, contactless payments.
I never imagined that one day a smartwatch would look bulky and fitness trackers would be intrusive.
It looks like the future of wearable technology will soon be adorning our fingers in the form of sleek, sophisticated smart rings.
These miniature marvels are packed with sensors and other capabilities, transforming the humble ring from a symbol of love or commitment to a portal of health, convenience and security.
So, what exactly are smart rings?
Imagine a tiny computer disguised as a stylish accessory.
These rings house various sensors.
Biometric sensors for tracking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns and even stress levels, offering valuable insights into your health and well-being.
The smart ring also has motion sensors to rack steps, calories burned and activity levels, making it the ideal fitness companion.
You can also purchase goods and services by simply waving your hand, as some of the smart rings have NFC chips to enable contactless payments, unlock doors and share information with a simple tap.
Some rings even boast Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your phone or receive notifications discreetly.
Smart rings are beyond swag, as they can be used to monitor health and wellness.
One such is the Oura Ring, a lifestyle-based sleep tracker with added features for basic fitness tracking and period prediction, guided meditations and other unique features.
Smart rings have undergone years of development, with only recent advancements leading to the emergence of several brands that successfully combine sleek aesthetics, comfortable wear and practical technology in a remarkably compact form.
Many of them can sync seamlessly with your smartphone through Bluetooth, allowing you to delve deeper into the data they gather.
A variety of smart rings with different technological features are currently available in the market.
At the recent CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, two brands revealed their unique plans to be the leaders in smart rings.
VTouch’s WHSP Ring is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionise how we interact with technology in public spaces.
If you are intrigued by the idea of a discreet AI assistant at your fingertips, keep an eye on their Kickstarter campaign for more updates and a chance to get your own ring.
For enthusiasts of health tracking, Amazfit is gearing up to unveil the Helio Ring.
However, much like VTouch’s product, specific details regarding its release date and pricing remain undisclosed.
The Helio Ring offers versatility, allowing independent use for tracking heart rate, sleep, athletic recovery and various workouts (currently limited to running, cycling, walking and treadmill).
Alternatively, it can complement an Amazfit watch for more extensive data capture and analysis.
Boasting 10ATM (100m equivalent) water resistance, the Helio outperforms most smartwatches currently available.
Amazfit’s foray into AI is primarily manifested through an AI chatbot integrated into the Zepp Aura AI app, providing users with health-related information and insights.
Just like with all concerns regarding data collection, security vulnerabilities need to be addressed.
However, the potential of smart rings is undeniable.
They offer a glimpse into a future where technology seamlessly blends with our lives, empowering us to live healthier, more convenient and perhaps even more stylish lives.
As these tiny marvels continue to evolve, one thing is for sure: the future is at your fingertips.
So, are you ready to join the smart ring revolution?
Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a health buff or simply someone seeking a touch of high-tech magic, there is a smart ring waiting to adorn your finger and unlock a world of possibilities.
John Tseriwa is a tech entrepreneur and a digital transformation advocate focusing on delivering business solutions powered by 4IR technologies. He can be contacted at [email protected] or +263773 289 802
