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[1]
Oura's New Ring 5 Is Smaller and Lighter -- and Adds an AI Health Coach
It's slimmer, lighter, and more durable. But the real upgrade is Oura's push into AI-powered health insights and proactive monitoring. Two years on since the Oura Ring 4, Finnish health tech company Oura is back with a new smart ring -- right in time to compete with the other screenless fitness tracker of the moment, the Fitbit Air. The Oura Ring 5 doubles down on the company's minimalist ethos with a smaller ring design, upgraded durability, and -- unsurprisingly -- a suite of AI-powered wellness features. The Ring 5 is available for preorder today and begins shipping June 4. It starts at $399 in silver and black, while premium finishes -- Stealth, Brushed Silver, an updated Gold, and a new Deep Rose color -- cost $499. Oura's subscription pricing remains the same at $6 per month or $70 annually. The Charging Case is also available for preorder in select markets. The ring, charging case, and Oura membership all qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement in the US. Tiny Ring, Big Ambitions At 6.09 mm wide and 2.28 mm thick, Oura's latest ring is 40 percent smaller than the Ring 4, which the company claims makes it the world's smallest smart ring. The titanium exterior is now coated with a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) to improve scratch resistance, and the ring itself is dustproof and water-resistant up to 100 meters with an IP68 rating. Shrinking the Oura Ring hasn't come at the expense of performance. Oura says the Ring 5 is more accurate than its predecessor, thanks to LEDs four times more powerful and redesigned sensors positioned closer to the skin for improved signal detection. The ring supposedly incorporates 12 independent signal pathways to refine accuracy across a range of finger shapes and skin tones. Battery life gets a modest boost, too, with Oura claiming between six and nine days per charge, up from the Ring 4's five-to-eight-day range. Oura is also releasing a new portable Charging Case ($99), which can add an extra month of battery life, or roughly five full charges. The case has a button to check its charging status and pairing. It's also compatible with the new Locate feature rolling out to Gen 2 devices and newer, allowing users to track misplaced rings and charging cases through the Oura app. The Oura Advisor The most notable changes arrive on the software side. Oura is positioning the Ring 5 as a proactive health platform, much like how Google is positioning its AI Health Coach at the center of the redesigned Google Health app. Central to that shift is Oura Advisor, the company's large-language-model-powered assistant that debuted last year, and Oura's proprietary AI model for women's health. The company is partnering with Counsel Health to integrate AI-assisted health guidance with access to licensed physicians through Oura Advisor. Via the integration, you can ask health questions, receive personalized guidance, and connect with health care professionals from the app. Fitness tracking is getting an overhaul. A new live activity mode lets users start workouts from the app and view heart rate, pace, and distance in real time through lock-screen widgets, so you don't even have to unlock your phone mid-session. For activities where a smart ring can be uncomfortable, such as powerlifting, the app now supports third-party heart-rate monitors and select devices, so you can continue to capture live workout data without wearing the ring itself. Oura also says its updated Automatic Activity Detection is significantly more accurate than previous generations, particularly for lower-motion exercises like pilates. Then there's Oura's preventive health ambitions: Health Radar, which builds on the Symptom Radar feature introduced in 2024. Health Radar continuously analyzes biometric patterns in the background to flag subtle changes before they become more obvious problems. At launch, Health Radar centers around two new functions: Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. Blood Pressure Signals continuously analyzes biometric trends that may correlate with cardiovascular strain. A new Nighttime Blood Pressure capability monitors whether blood pressure drops appropriately during sleep. Oura says this metric may reveal cardiovascular risks that daytime readings may miss. You can also add cuff readings to provide additional context. Meanwhile, Nighttime Breathing provides a rolling 30-day view of breathing disturbances during sleep to identify changes that could affect sleep quality or signal underlying issues. Earlier this month, Oura announced a partnership with Resmed that offers users with elevated nighttime breathing alerts access to sleep health resources, complete sleep assessments, and the option to connect with independent healthcare providers for potential diagnosis and treatment. Metabolic health is another growing focus. Oura is introducing GLP-1 medication self-management tools that allow users to log and track dosing schedules, side effects, and weight changes. Oura is also expanding its Health Panels feature with Lab Uploads, so you can import blood test results and compare biomarkers over time. In the US, subscribers can connect eligible providers to import diagnosed conditions, medications, and lab results into a Personal Health Record in the app. The new launch comes with a stronger emphasis on privacy controls, according to Oura. A new time-based Data Deletion feature lets users -- across all Oura generations -- erase data from specific periods without wiping their long-term history. Members also have more granular oversight with configurable controls over how their data is used and shared with third parties. The Ring 5 is available in sizes 6 through 13, and Oura recommends all consumers, including existing members, use the company's updated sizing kit before ordering, since the smaller design may fit differently than previous generations. Also new is multi-ring support, allowing users to pair and switch between multiple Ring 4 and Ring 5 devices on a single account at no additional charge. SpecsWeight2 to 2.69 grams (depending on size)MaterialsTitanium with physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatingBattery LifeUp to 9 daysWater ResistanceUp to 100 meters (IP68)Sizes6 to 13ColorsSilver, Black, Stealth, Brushed Silver, Gold, and Deep RoseCompatibilityiOS and Android
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They've finally made the Oura Ring smaller and lighter
Wherever I go, whatever I do, people point at my finger and ask, "Is that an Oura Ring?" Lots of people find they like the design, and they tell me why they're thinking about switching to a smart ring from a smartwatch. But the people who scrunch up their noses? They usually say something along the lines of, "Hm. Maybe when it's lighter or smaller." Good news. The newly announced $399 Oura Ring 5 is both. It's 40 percent smaller than the Oura Ring 4, measuring 6.09mm wide (down from 7.9mm) and 2.29mm thick (down from 2.88mm). Depending on the size, it weighs from 2 to 2.69g. You'd think it might be hard to notice much a difference between the Oura Ring 4 and 5 -- two very small wearables. But slipping the Oura Ring 5 off a ring stand and into my palm? It's immediately noticeable. On my finger, it's slimmer, too. The design doesn't look that different, though Oura told me in a press briefing that it was reengineered to include stronger LEDs and optimized battery life that can last for six to nine days. (Alas, petite-fingered friends: Larger rings always have longer battery life.) The ring itself is titanium and IP68 weather resistant, and the coating is reportedly less scratch-prone than previous models. (Though I will be the judge of that in testing. I will never forget how deeply I was burned by the rose gold Oura Ring Gen 3.) The optional charging case now also holds five full charges and works with wireless chargers. There's also a new "deep rose" color, which is more of a coppery rose gold than pink. There are a few disappointments. As with the Oura Ring 4, the company is recommending that people seeking to upgrade double-check their size with a new sizing kit. Because of the redesigned components, people can get stuck with an "in-between" ring size, which may require going larger or smaller to be more comfortable. Also, while the Oura Ring 4 was available in sizes 4 to 15, the Oura Ring 5 will only come in sizes 6 to 13. At my briefing, I was told that's because the Oura Ring 4 isn't that old yet (it launched at the end of 2024) and the company is still figuring out how much demand there is for the newer sizes. Another bummer: There's no ceramic option yet. Alongside the hardware, Oura is also announcing a ton of new software updates today. Building on Symptom Radar, which detects early health changes, the company is launching something called Health Radar. This suite of features includes nighttime blood pressure and nighttime breathing trends, the ability to import medical records, and a partnership with Council AI for a medical chatbot. (The latter two features require you to participate in the experimental Oura Labs beta testing feature.) The idea is that Health Radar will flag when a significant change happens in your health without having you look at each metric separately every day. For folks interested in metabolic health, Oura is also adding GLP-1 insights and lab uploads. At my briefing, I was told the GLP-1 insights are meant to help users keep track of their dosages, monitor changes and side effects, and get a sense of what's normal regarding how the medication may affect their metrics. For example, GLP-1s can cause a mild increase in resting heart rate. Lab uploads will allow Oura users to directly import test results into the app and chat with Oura's AI chatbot about the findings. (As always, an obligatory reminder that most AI health features are capable of hallucinations and poor advice, so it's a bad idea to think this can replace your doctor.) Fitness-wise, live activity tracking is also improving in the Oura app. You'll now be able to pair a third-party heart rate monitor to the Oura app, as well as view various real-time metrics. And similar to other big-name health tech companies, Oura is launching a new research study called the Brain Health Study. Users can opt in to share their data as Oura studies how metrics correlate to cognitive performance. All of this is pretty sensitive information, and given Oura's controversy last year over its Palantir partnership, the company says it'll now give users expanded options for deleting their data. A new feature called Time-based Data Deletion will allow users to erase their information from a specific window of time should they wish. The Oura Ring 5 is available for preorder today, starting at $399 for the black and silver colors and $499 for the rest of the colors. It's expected to ship June 4th. The Brain Health Study is live starting today. The rest of the software updates will roll out in June. Photography by Victoria Song / The Verge
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Oura's Ring 5 is a dramatically thinner smart ring - Engadget
Smart rings may blend invisibly into our lives, but they're not good at blending invisibly into our hands. Unless you're a fan of chunky statement jewelry, it's likely your smart ring makes every other ring you wear look tiny by comparison. That's the issue Oura is looking to solve with the new Ring 5, which is a whopping 40 percent smaller than its immediate predecessor. Shrinking such a small piece of gear down by that much has taken a lot of engineering, but the company says it comes with no compromises. If you've previously been put off by the bulk of most smart rings, then today might have all the makings of your lucky day. Oura's VP of Product, Jason Russell, explained that the company heard plenty of users asking for smaller rings. To reduce the size by almost half, every part of the ring has been redesigned to be both smaller and more power-efficient. Those with a keen eye on the spec list may notice the number of signal pathways has dropped from 18 on the Ring 4 to 12 on the Ring 5. Russell explained that the 4th-gen ring had four low-power photodetectors, which worked in tandem with low-power LEDs. The Ring 5's LEDs are four times as powerful, paired with three beefier photodetectors which, Oura says, offers better, more accurate readings across a wider range of skin tones. The company is also responding to relatively lukewarm demand for the smallest and biggest ring sizes. Whereas the Ring 4 comes in sizes 4 through 15, the Ring 5 serves sizes 6 through 13. Oura doesn't think it's boxing out would-be buyers but Russell added that the Ring 4 will remain on sale to help cater to those groups. Naturally, Oura is also leaning harder into the fashion angle and is talking up the new paint jobs on these rings. As well as the basic finishes of Silver and Black, you'll be able to get Stealth, Brushed Silver, a new more natural Gold and Deep Rose (Rose Gold). The finishes should also be more scratch-resistant thanks to a new vapor deposition application method, too. Interestingly, there was no mention of any ceramic finishes, despite the colorways breathing new life into the Ring 4. This is entirely my own speculation, but I'd wager the company will launch those for the Ring 5 down the line as a mid-cycle refresh. Oura promises that, no matter what size Ring 5 you own, you'll see a week of life on a single charge. But if you're away for longer and don't want to schlep around the charging plate, you can bring along the new charging case. Its built-in battery is large enough to last a month on a single charge, and there's a single button to both pair the ring and check the charge level. Oura added that each case is custom-designed for each ring size, so if your fingers shrink or grow, you'll also need to replace this, too. As eye-catching as the hardware is, it's the insights generated by the ring that usually matters more. The advent of the Ring 5 is a chance to roll out a suite of new features to further cement its wearable health dominance. Health Radar, for instance, builds upon the proactive monitoring in Symptom Radar to keep an eye on your key health signals. Should the trends go in a less-than-favorable direction, you'll get an alert with advice on your next steps. It'll pay special attention to your blood pressure and nighttime breathing as key metrics, free from the confounding data that might appear when you're up and about. The downside to pretty much every consumer wearable is that its conclusions aren't clinically validated. Even the most advanced smartwatch on the market can tell you your heart rate is elevated, but it won't be able to tell you why. To mitigate this, Oura is partnering with Counsel Health to integrate its chatbot, letting users speak to an AI that offers personalized medical advice. Helpfully, you'll also be able to bounce into a live chat with a real medical professional in the 43 states where such a thing is allowed. There are plenty of smaller additions, like being able to see your workout stats displayed as a Live Activity on your iPhone lock screen. GLP-1 Insights will help users track medication and body changes as they go on their health journey. Users will also be able to upload their bloodwork results to the app platform, giving the system more data to crunch. Rounding out the list is Health Records, a way to bring your hospital records together with your ring data. The company says the system uses the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Technology Ecosystem standards. Russell said that some users may wish to erase data from a troubling period, but didn't have a way to do so without wiping their whole account. This is why Oura is now allowing users to edit specific elements of their health data without losing everything else. Naturally, it's worth remembering that the US can access your wearable data far more easily than medical records. The Oura Ring 5 is available to pre-order today, with shipping expected to begin on June 6, with the base finishes of Silver and Black setting you back $399. If you want the other paint jobs, you'll need to plonk down $499, while the standalone charging case will set you back a further $99. Plus, of course, you'll need to opt for the company's monthly subscription, setting you back $6 a month or $70 for the year.
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Why the Oura Ring 5 Costs $50 More Than Its Predecessor
The Oura Ring 5 marks a significant step forward in wearable technology, blending subtle design refinements with advanced health tracking capabilities. As noted by TechAvid, this latest version introduces a thinner, more ergonomic design and larger optical sensors, promising greater comfort and improved accuracy for users who rely on continuous monitoring. However, these enhancements come with a price increase, with the base model now starting at $399, making it a more premium option in the smart ring market. For those considering an upgrade, understanding the balance between these updates and the higher cost is key to evaluating its overall value. Explore how the Oura Ring 5's enhanced AI-driven analytics and upgraded sensors deliver deeper insights into sleep patterns, readiness scores and overall health metrics. Gain insight into the implications of its subscription-based model, which unlocks advanced features but adds to the total cost of ownership. Additionally, discover how the new deep rose finish and other premium design choices aim to appeal to style-conscious users while maintaining functionality. This breakdown will help you assess whether the Oura Ring 5 aligns with your health tracking needs and budget. Why the Price Hike? The Oura Ring 5 now starts at $399 (429 euros) for its standard silver and black finishes, representing a $50 (30 euro) increase compared to its predecessor, the Oura Ring 4. For users seeking a more luxurious look, finishes such as brushed silver, matte black, gold and the newly introduced deep rose variant are priced at $499 (529 euros). This pricing strategy reflects Oura's intent to position the Ring 5 as a high-end wearable, appealing to users who prioritize advanced health tracking features alongside premium aesthetics. While the price increase may deter some buyers, it underscores Oura's focus on delivering a polished product that blends functionality with style. Design Tweaks for Comfort and Style The Oura Ring 5 introduces a thinner and more ergonomic design, enhancing comfort for extended wear. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for users who wear the ring throughout the day and night for continuous health monitoring. The addition of the deep rose finish, replacing the previous rose gold option, provides a fresh and stylish alternative for those seeking a fashionable accessory. While the overall design remains consistent with earlier models, the potential inclusion of larger optical sensors suggests improved accuracy in health tracking. These design refinements aim to strike a balance between modern aesthetics and practical functionality, making sure the ring remains both visually appealing and effective. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in wearables. Technology Upgrades for Smarter Insights The Oura Ring 5 builds on the technological foundation of its predecessor by incorporating upgraded sensors and deeper integration of artificial intelligence (AI). These advancements enable more precise health insights, including enhanced sleep tracking, improved readiness scores and comprehensive health analytics. The device also reportedly features an improved charging system, offering greater convenience for users. However, the battery life remains consistent with previous models, lasting up to seven days per charge. These updates aim to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience, making sure that the Oura Ring 5 continues to meet the needs of health-conscious individuals without compromising usability. Subscription Model: A Double-Edged Sword As with earlier versions, the Oura Ring 5 operates on a subscription-based model, requiring users to pay $5.99 per month to access its full suite of features. This subscription unlocks advanced health insights, AI-driven analytics and personalized recommendations, which are central to the device's appeal. While the subscription adds to the total cost of ownership, it also reflects Oura's commitment to maintaining a robust and evolving software ecosystem. For users, the value lies in the depth and accuracy of the insights provided, which can significantly enhance their understanding of personal health metrics. However, the ongoing cost may deter those who prefer a one-time purchase model. Facing Stiff Competition The smart ring market is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands like Samsung, RingConn and Ultrahuman introducing alternatives that challenge Oura's dominance. These competitors focus on features such as longer battery life, subscription-free models, and specialized health tracking capabilities. For instance, RingConn offers a subscription-free experience, while Ultrahuman emphasizes metabolic health tracking, catering to users with specific health goals. These alternatives provide consumers with a wider range of choices, pushing Oura to differentiate itself through its sensor precision and software ecosystem. For potential buyers, the growing competition highlights the importance of evaluating features and pricing to find the best fit for their needs. Strategic Timing Amid IPO Speculation The launch of the Oura Ring 5 aligns with speculation about Oura's potential plans for an initial public offering (IPO). This timing suggests a strategic effort to refresh its flagship product and solidify its position in the market ahead of a possible public listing. For users, this could signal a commitment to long-term innovation and growth, as Oura seeks to attract investors and expand its market presence. However, it also raises questions about how the company will balance profitability with user satisfaction, particularly as competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve. Is the Oura Ring 5 Worth It? The Oura Ring 5 represents a refined evolution rather than a innovative leap forward. Its thinner profile, improved sensor accuracy, and enhanced AI integration cater to users who prioritize advanced health tracking in a stylish and discreet package. However, the higher price point and reliance on a subscription model may deter budget-conscious buyers, especially as competitors offer alternative features and pricing structures. For those who value precision, detailed health insights, and a strong software ecosystem, the Oura Ring 5 remains a compelling option in the wearable tech market. Media Credit: TechAvid Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
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Oura Ring 5 with ultra-slim design, Health Radar, and blood pressure monitoring announced
ÅŒURA has introduced the Oura Ring 5, a smart ring positioned as the world's smallest in its category. It is 40% smaller than Oura Ring 4, designed for improved comfort while maintaining advanced health tracking accuracy. The ring is built from lightweight, non-allergenic titanium and continues Oura's approach that the finger provides stronger and more reliable biometric signals than wrist-based wearables. The launch also marks a shift from passive tracking to action-oriented preventive health, combining upgraded hardware with expanded software features across sleep, cardiovascular health, activity, and metabolic insights. Oura Ring 5 Oura Ring 5 has been redesigned across its internal systems, including sensing, optical, electrical, battery, and mechanical architecture, to achieve a smaller form factor without reducing performance. Design and durability * 40% smaller than Oura Ring 4 * Titanium body with refined curvature * IP68 water resistance up to 100 meters * Scratch-resistant PVD coating * Sizes 6-13 * Finishes: Gold, Stealth, Brushed Silver, Deep Rose, Silver, Black Sensors and accuracy The sensing system has been upgraded to improve signal quality and consistency across users. * Low-profile sensor domes for better skin contact * Stronger LEDs for improved optical readings * 12 enhanced signal pathways * Better accuracy across skin tones and finger types * Improved sleep, readiness, and activity tracking Health, fitness, and AI features Oura expands its platform with real-time tracking, preventive health monitoring, and AI-based insights. Health Radar system Health Radar continuously monitors biometric signals to detect early health changes before symptoms appear. It includes Blood Pressure Signals with nighttime tracking and cuff input support, along with a 30-day rolling analysis of nighttime breathing patterns to identify long-term trends. Activity tracking The updated system enables live workout tracking directly in the app with real-time metrics. * Live tracking for pace, distance, and heart rate * Support for running, cycling, strength training * Third-party heart rate monitor integration * Improved automatic activity detection for low-motion workouts like Pilates Metabolic and clinical health Oura adds deeper health management tools for long-term tracking and medical data integration. * GLP-1 Insights for medication and weight tracking * Lab Uploads for biomarker data integration * Health Records combining clinical information * Oura Advisor AI for personalized guidance Connected care and research Oura expands into medical partnerships and research-driven health insights. * Resmed partnership for sleep and breathing care pathways * Counsel Health integration for AI + physician-supported care * Brain Health Study with Cambridge Cognition * In-app guidance linking insights to care decisions Additional features Oura adds ecosystem tools for usability, privacy, and device management. * Charging Case with up to 1 month backup battery * Locate feature for ring and case tracking * Time-based data deletion controls * Multi-ring support (Oura Ring 4 and 5) * Privacy-first model with user-controlled data sharing Quick Specs: Oura Ring 5 Sensors * Blood oxygen (Red/IR LEDs) * Heart rate, HRV, respiration (Green/IR LEDs, 24/7) * Temperature trend tracking * 3D accelerometer for activity Compatibility * iOS & Android * 100+ app integrations * Multiple languages supported (incl. English, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Chinese) * Metric & imperial units Size & Weight * Width: 6.09 mm * Thickness: 2.28 mm * Weight: from 2 g Battery * 6-9 days usage * 20-80 min charging time Build * Titanium exterior & interior * Waterproof up to 100 m Connectivity * Bluetooth Low Energy * Auto firmware updates * Airplane mode support * FCC certified Pricing and availability Oura Ring 5 is available for global pre-order now, with shipping starting June 4, 2026. Software features will roll out in phases across regions. Pricing * Base finishes: USD 399 (Rs. 38,133 approx.) * Premium finishes: USD 499 (Rs. 47,690 approx.) * Membership: USD 5.99/month (Rs. 572 approx.) or USD 69.99/year (Rs. 6,689 approx.) * Charging Case: USD 99 (Rs. 9,461 approx.) Availability The device will be available via Oura's website and select global retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Target, and Walmart. Health and AI features will roll out starting June 2026 in regions including the US, India, and UAE, with some advanced services initially limited to the US.
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A new Oura ring is coming -- and the CEO believes it will make doctors take the trendy wearable seriously
* Oura Ring's new AI upgrade, led by CEO Tom Hale, aims to reshape healthcare interaction and wellness. * New partnerships with Essence Health and Counsel Health connect users to AI and doctors. * The launch follows a confidential IPO filing, with Oura's valuation surging to $11 billion. The Oura Ring is getting an upgrade -- and its CEO Tom Hale believes it signals how technology is reshaping the way we interact with doctors and approach wellness. Not shockingly for a company in the year 2026, the new ring is focused on embracing AI. It pairs with a suite of new AI advisors that can escalate conversations into clinical AI chats -- and from there to licensed physicians, if needed. Hale points to Oura's new partnership with Essence Health, an insurer and provider for Medicare Advantage patients. If the ring detects possible sleep apnea, it alerts Essence Health's AI system, which follows up with diagnostic questions and next steps for treatment. "From a device on your body sensing something to a treatment in an automated way without a human being having to get involved. That is transformative," Hale said. Oura partnered with Counsel Health, an AI-powered virtual care platform with both medical AI chatbots and board-certified physicians, for the clinical AI piece. "They are the best in the world at being a doctor using AI," Hale said. "Say you get one of those Symptom Radar alerts and you're like, 'What is going on?' You can escalate directly into a conversation with clinical AI, and then from there, you can actually talk to a doctor." These services are available for an additional fee on top of the $5.99 monthly subscription all Oura users pay. The ring itself is 40% smaller than its previous version, which makes it both easier to wear and more aesthetic. But Hale emphasizes that it's what inside that really shines. "What's most exciting is the software," he said. The new software can detect blood-pressure signals and breathing disturbances overnight -- which make its health radar that much more accurate and can help diagnose additional issues. It also includes a GLP-1 Companion to help users understand how their body responds to the popular weight-loss drugs. The timing for the new ring -- which starts at $399 and can be pre-ordered now to ship June 4 -- is smart. Globally, wearables have grown into a $95 billion business, with roughly 1.1 billion devices in use. At the same time, the US faces a shortage of doctors, particularly family physicians. The launch comes just a week after the company filed for a confidential IPO, according to a Bloomberg report. Oura's valuation has surged to $11 billion from since Hale joined as CEO in 2022 (up from $800 million in 2022). The company has sold 5.5 million rings and last year doubled its revenue to $1 billion. A large chunk of that comes from subscriptions which provides the company with ongoing revenue in addition to the sales of new products. Oura introduced its membership model in 2021, and Hale has made the subscription central to the company's strategy, arguing that it powers new features and updates. While many subscription models are plagued by high churn, Oura has largely escaped that fate. "After a year, 80% of our customers are still paid customers ... that's better than Netflix or Spotify," Hale said. "If there's something that you're paying for and it doesn't do anything for you, of course that's fatiguing ... but people look at Oura three times a day, seven days a week." Of course that raises the question about whether or not people are getting too obsessive with their health. Earlier this week a clip went viral when a podcaster complained drinking a glass of wine had destroyed his life for three days -- and he monitored the whole thing on a Whoop. As someone who can get a little too fixated on my own sleep score, I can relate to the anxiety of overthinking health data -- and whether checking your health tech becomes psychosomatic, making you feel worse simply because the number is bad. But Hale sees wearables as an opportunity to get feedback on your health and learn what your body is trying to tell you. "The body doesn't lie... the physiology is telling you something, and we call it giving your body a voice," Hale added. And that knowledge often leads to better habits. "We're sort of in the behavior change business ... it's not about the metrics actually." And there is a flip side -- sometimes finding out that you really are firing on all cylinders can help you perform that much better. "There was an NBA player, Chris Paul," Hale recalled. "He once got a readiness score that said 'Bring it on' -- high 90s. That day was Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. He scored 42 points. That is an amazing performance."
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Finnish health tech company Oura unveils the Ring 5, a smart ring that's 40% smaller than its predecessor while adding AI-powered health insights through Oura Advisor. The $399 device introduces Health Radar for proactive monitoring of blood pressure and breathing patterns, marking a shift from passive tracking to preventive health management.
Finnish health tech company Oura has launched the Oura Ring 5, positioning it as the world's smallest smart ring at just 6.09mm wide and 2.28mm thick—a 40% reduction from the Oura Ring 4
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. The smaller and lighter design addresses one of the most common complaints about wearable technology: bulk. Available for preorder today at $399 for silver and black finishes, with premium colors including Stealth, Brushed Silver, Gold, and Deep Rose priced at $499, the device ships June 42
. The titanium exterior features a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating for improved scratch resistance, while maintaining IP68 water resistance up to 100 meters3
.
Source: Geeky Gadgets
Despite the dramatic size reduction, Oura claims the Ring 5 delivers better accuracy than previous models. The device incorporates LEDs four times more powerful than the Ring 4, paired with redesigned optical sensors positioned closer to the skin for improved signal detection across different finger shapes and skin tones
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. The smart ring now features 12 independent signal pathways, down from 18 on the Ring 4, but Oura's VP of Product Jason Russell explained that the combination of more powerful LEDs and three beefier photodetectors offers better, more accurate readings3
. Battery life extends to six to nine days per charge, up from the Ring 4's five-to-eight-day range, and a new portable Charging Case ($99) can add an extra month of battery life with roughly five full charges1
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Source: The Verge
The most significant advancement arrives through software, as Oura shifts from passive health tracking to preventive health management with its new Health Radar system. Building on the Symptom Radar feature introduced in 2024, Health Radar continuously analyzes biometric patterns in the background to flag subtle changes before they become obvious problems
1
. At launch, the system focuses on two critical functions: Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. The blood pressure monitoring capability continuously analyzes biometric trends that may correlate with cardiovascular strain, with a new Nighttime Blood Pressure feature monitoring whether blood pressure drops appropriately during sleep—a metric that may reveal cardiovascular risks that daytime readings miss5
. Users can also add cuff readings to provide additional context for more comprehensive biometric analysis.Nighttime Breathing provides a rolling 30-day view of breathing disturbances during sleep to identify changes that could affect sleep quality or signal underlying issues. Earlier this month, Oura announced a partnership with Resmed that offers users with elevated nighttime breathing alerts access to sleep health resources, complete sleep assessments, and the option to connect with independent healthcare providers for potential diagnosis and treatment
1
. This represents a fundamental shift in how wearable technology approaches wellness, moving from simply presenting data to actively identifying potential health concerns and connecting users with care pathways.Oura is positioning the Ring 5 as a proactive health platform centered around AI-powered health insights. The company is partnering with Counsel Health to integrate AI-assisted health guidance with access to licensed physicians through Oura Advisor, the company's large-language-model-powered assistant that debuted last year
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. Through this integration, users can ask health questions, receive personalized guidance, and connect with healthcare professionals from the app in 43 states where such services are allowed3
. The platform also incorporates Oura's proprietary AI model for women's health, expanding the scope of specialized health tracking features.For metabolic health management, Oura is introducing GLP-1 insights that allow users to log and track dosing schedules, side effects, and weight changes. The feature helps users keep track of their medication and monitor how it affects their metrics—for example, GLP-1s can cause a mild increase in resting heart rate
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. Users can also upload lab results directly into the app and chat with Oura Advisor about the findings, though the company reminds users that AI health features are capable of hallucinations and poor advice and should not replace medical professionals2
. The subscription model remains at $5.99 per month or $69.99 annually, unlocking these advanced health tracking features and AI-driven analytics4
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Source: New York Post
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Fitness tracking receives a substantial overhaul with the Ring 5. A new live activity mode lets users start workouts from the app and view heart rate, pace, and distance in real time through lock-screen widgets on iPhone, eliminating the need to unlock phones mid-session
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. For activities where a smart ring can be uncomfortable, such as powerlifting, the app now supports third-party heart rate monitors and select devices, allowing users to continue capturing live workout data without wearing the ring itself2
. Oura also claims its updated Automatic Activity Detection is significantly more accurate than previous generations, particularly for lower-motion exercises like Pilates.The smart ring market is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands like Samsung, RingConn, and Ultrahuman introducing alternatives that challenge Oura's dominance
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. RingConn offers a subscription-free experience, while Ultrahuman emphasizes metabolic health tracking, giving consumers more choices. Given Oura's controversy last year over its Palantir partnership, the company now offers expanded options for deleting data, including a new Time-based Data Deletion feature that allows users to erase information from specific time windows2
. The Ring 5 also includes a new Locate feature for tracking misplaced rings and charging cases through the app, rolling out to Gen 2 devices and newer1
. Oura is also launching a Brain Health Study with Cambridge Cognition, allowing users to opt in to share their data as the company studies how metrics correlate to cognitive performance2
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