Track your blood pressure on-the-go with the Iris Smart Ring

A smart ring is due to launch soon called Iris Smart Ring. Its main distinguishing characteristic from the competition is the ability to track blood pressure from the finger. The ring also has a slimmer profile than other offerings.

Smart rings are a up and coming trend in wearable tech due to their compact size, versatility, and convenience. Consumers are looking for devices that are both functional and discreet, and smart rings fit this need. The demand for such devices is growing and they are poised to become a significant player in the wearable tech market over the coming years.

We have yet to see Apple, Fitbit, or Samsung enter this market, despite the fact that all three are said to be working on such products. As a result, it’s safe to say that Oura is currently the king of smart rings. Their device, now in its third generation, has a devoted following.

However, things could change quickly. A number of less expensive alternatives are being developed including: RingConn, Circular Smart Ring, UltraHuman Ring, and Moving Evie Ring.

It remains to be seen whether all of these make it to retail. However, they are expected to hit the market in 2023, with some arriving as early as February. Of course, while they may undercut Oura Ring in price it remains to be seen if their performance is up to scratch.

On paper these options come across as very similar in terms of their tech specs. All of them can track similar vitals stats such as heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen, respiration and sleep. Some even have the ability to measure body temperature.

We can now add one more ring to this collection – the Iris Smart Ring. This one has something to offfer that the others don’t.

Iris Smart Ring – blood pressure tracking from the finger

The Swiss-Based company behind Iris Ring has put up a website where you can join the waiting list and be informed as soon as the device is available. There’s also a Facebook Group where you can join the 2,200+ strong community.

Now they are planning to turn to Kickstarter to raise funds for productions. The campaign is expected to go live in February. The first shipment is expected in the second half of the year.

“Behind the Iris ring project, our vision is to make healthcare technology available to everyone, and we need to get the product off the ground first. That’s why, in a couple of weeks, we’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign and you can be part of it and access the pre-sales!” they write in the Facebook group.

The claimed ability of this ring to track blood pressure from the finger is what makes it so intriguing. We have yet to come across a smart ring with this capability.

Tracking blood pressure with a smart ring would be convenient because it would eliminate the need for bulky and difficult-to-use blood pressure monitors. Users would be able to track their blood pressure discreetly and easily, without having to interrupt their daily activities or visit a doctor’s office.

However, it seems that this will not be available from the outset.

“We are working on bringing the blood pressure in an OTA update, taking advantage of our clinical studies in the subject. But first, we need to get the product off the ground. That’s why we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign.”

Beyond this, the ring will be able to monitor heart rate and variability, stress related information, body temperature, blood oxygen levels and breathing rate. It will also be able to count the number of steps, number of calories burned as well as measure distance travelled while walking.

Slimmer than the competition, competitive pricing

In terms of design, the Iris Ring looks very nice. It is expected to have a thinner and lighter shell than other smart ring offerings. The inner surface is made of a non-allergic, non-metallic material, while the outer surface is made of a long-lasting PVD coated metal. Obsydian, Titanium, and Aureate will be the three options available.

The price has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be between $100 and $200, which appears to be very reasonable. It will, therefore, cost roughly half as much as the Oura ring.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

However, the company has confirmed that there will be an additional monthly subscription fee that has yet to be determined. However, “you will continue to be able to enjoy a set of basic features for free.” In addition, the company promises to “strive to make our pricing competitive with the existing market.” Before shipments begin, you will receive (for free) a full size range (US6 – 13) of plastic fitting rings that are identical to real ones.

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