Ultrahuman Ring AIR gets AFib detection & Power Plugs app store
Ultrahuman has made, today, two significant announcements. The company has launched PowerPlugs, a new app store for Ring AIR users, and introduced Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) detection capability to their smart ring.
We’ve written a lot about Ultrahuman Ring AIR. You can check out my full hands on review on this link. The device has successfully carved out a niche for itself in the smart ring space. What stands out for me is that the smart ring functions well, offers fairly accurate data and a well-rounded experience.
Beyond that there is one other impressive thing. The speed at which the company is releasing software upgrades. It seems every few weeks a new feature drops. And most of the time, these are things we do not see in other smart rings: Circadian Rhythm, Body Signal, Caffeine Window are just a few examples. Best of all, these are free for all existing owners.
Now the company is slightly shifting its strategy.
A paid tier
According to the press release, PowerPlugs is Ultrahuman’s new ecosystem of apps and plugins designed to help Ring AIR users customize their health monitoring experience. Available through the Ultrahuman App, PowerPlugs offers both free and premium options covering various health aspects.
Some examples of power plugs include AFib detection, circadian rhythm tracking, pregnancy monitoring, cardio adaptability, menstrual cycle tracking, caffeine window optimization, vitamin D tracking, jet lag management, weight loss support and ovulation tracking.
The AFib detection feature is a notable addition to the Ultrahuman Ring AIR’s capabilities. AFib, the most common type of irregular heart rhythm, can lead to serious complications such as stroke and heart failure if left undetected. The AFib detection feature monitors heart rhythm during sleep to identify potential signs of this condition. So far, no other smart ring has the ability to monitor for AFib. So this will be a first.
A divided user community
The introduction of PowerPlugs has sparked heated discussions among Ultrahuman users on social media. And not everyone is happy about the shift towards a subscription model. After all, unlike Oura, part of the attraction of Ultrahuman Ring AIR is the lack of a subscription.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The company has addressed these concerns, stating their commitment to maintaining a non-subscription pricing model for core features. Ultrahuman explains that PowerPlugs are designed to offer personalized, advanced solutions for specific health needs. The rationale for paid PowerPlugs includes the costs associated with developing complex features, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals, and integrating third-party services. Ultrahuman asserts that users will only pay for the specific advanced features they choose to use.
Despite these assurances, not everyone is convinced. We will reserve judgement until we see how things function – and which add-ons will be free, which will sit behind a paywall. This balance will be a key factor in user satisfaction going forward.
Finally, don’t forget to check out my Ultrahuman Ring Air review.
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