Overview of the New Aura Ring 4: A Comprehensive Review
The Aura Ring 4 has made its mark in the health-tracking wearable market with a sleek redesign and improved features. If you're not familiar, the Aura Ring is a smart ring that measures various health metrics, including activity, sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, it allows users to manage their health statistics conveniently through an app.
The Aura Ring 4 starts at $349 and comes with a smoother design, extended battery life, and enhanced accuracy compared to its predecessor, the Aura Ring Gen 3.
One noticeable change in the Aura Ring 4 is its smoother interior, which eliminates the raised areas where sensors used to be located. This redesign provides a more comfortable fit on the finger. Notably, the entire ring is made from titanium, contrasting with the previous version that only had titanium on the exterior.
While it retains similar color options as the Gen 3, the black version features a new glossy finish, adding to the ring's appeal.
The Aura Ring 4 boasts a new algorithm that personalizes readings based on individual metrics, reportedly tapping into twice as many signal pathways to gain better data. Users can expect an improved battery life, lasting up to 8 days, though some users have reported getting around 6 days, which slightly falls short of the manufacturer's claim.
App Improvements
Alongside the hardware advancements, the accompanying app has received a major overhaul. Now organized into three tabs, it provides tailored health insights:
Today Tab - Displays the most relevant information for the user at any given moment.
Vitals Tab - Offers deep dives into health scores and metrics.
This layout makes it easier for users to focus on what they need to be aware of for well-being, as opposed to sifting through extraneous data. The app actively encourages users towards healthier behaviors by highlighting metrics like activity goals and stress levels.
New Features: Symptom Radar
One standout feature of the Aura Ring 4 is the Symptom Radar, which users can opt into. This function detects changes in key metrics which may indicate that you're feeling unwell. For instance, the reviewer experienced a slight fever while testing the ring, and the device alerted them to their elevated body temperature, prompting them to rest.
While this feature is not intended as a diagnostic tool, it provides users with an extra confirmation to take care of themselves if they notice they are feeling off.
Concerns and Areas for Improvement
Despite the many commendable updates, the Aura Ring 4 faces some criticisms, primarily its $6 monthly subscription fee. For a device priced at $349, many feel that more features should be accessible without additional costs. Without the subscription, users only receive basic scores for activity, sleep, and readiness, falling short of what competitors like Apple and Samsung provide out of the box.
Moreover, while the auto workout detection works well for certain activities, it seems to falter when it comes to detecting cycling workouts consistently, a downside for users who prioritize cycling as a primary fitness activity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Aura Ring 4 maintains its position as a leading health tracker, especially thanks to its inconspicuous and comfortable design. However, since much of its functionality mirrors that of its predecessor, it is especially recommended for first-time buyers interested in exploring smart rings.
For anyone considering the Aura Ring 4 or looking for detailed functionality like workout experiences and sleep tracking insights, additional information can be found in a more in-depth review on CNET.
Part 1/7:
Overview of the New Aura Ring 4: A Comprehensive Review
The Aura Ring 4 has made its mark in the health-tracking wearable market with a sleek redesign and improved features. If you're not familiar, the Aura Ring is a smart ring that measures various health metrics, including activity, sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, it allows users to manage their health statistics conveniently through an app.
The Aura Ring 4 starts at $349 and comes with a smoother design, extended battery life, and enhanced accuracy compared to its predecessor, the Aura Ring Gen 3.
Design and Build Quality
Part 2/7:
One noticeable change in the Aura Ring 4 is its smoother interior, which eliminates the raised areas where sensors used to be located. This redesign provides a more comfortable fit on the finger. Notably, the entire ring is made from titanium, contrasting with the previous version that only had titanium on the exterior.
While it retains similar color options as the Gen 3, the black version features a new glossy finish, adding to the ring's appeal.
Enhanced Performance and Functionality
Part 3/7:
The Aura Ring 4 boasts a new algorithm that personalizes readings based on individual metrics, reportedly tapping into twice as many signal pathways to gain better data. Users can expect an improved battery life, lasting up to 8 days, though some users have reported getting around 6 days, which slightly falls short of the manufacturer's claim.
App Improvements
Alongside the hardware advancements, the accompanying app has received a major overhaul. Now organized into three tabs, it provides tailored health insights:
Today Tab - Displays the most relevant information for the user at any given moment.
Vitals Tab - Offers deep dives into health scores and metrics.
My Health Tab - Shows long-term health trends.
Part 4/7:
This layout makes it easier for users to focus on what they need to be aware of for well-being, as opposed to sifting through extraneous data. The app actively encourages users towards healthier behaviors by highlighting metrics like activity goals and stress levels.
New Features: Symptom Radar
One standout feature of the Aura Ring 4 is the Symptom Radar, which users can opt into. This function detects changes in key metrics which may indicate that you're feeling unwell. For instance, the reviewer experienced a slight fever while testing the ring, and the device alerted them to their elevated body temperature, prompting them to rest.
Part 5/7:
While this feature is not intended as a diagnostic tool, it provides users with an extra confirmation to take care of themselves if they notice they are feeling off.
Concerns and Areas for Improvement
Despite the many commendable updates, the Aura Ring 4 faces some criticisms, primarily its $6 monthly subscription fee. For a device priced at $349, many feel that more features should be accessible without additional costs. Without the subscription, users only receive basic scores for activity, sleep, and readiness, falling short of what competitors like Apple and Samsung provide out of the box.
Part 6/7:
Moreover, while the auto workout detection works well for certain activities, it seems to falter when it comes to detecting cycling workouts consistently, a downside for users who prioritize cycling as a primary fitness activity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Aura Ring 4 maintains its position as a leading health tracker, especially thanks to its inconspicuous and comfortable design. However, since much of its functionality mirrors that of its predecessor, it is especially recommended for first-time buyers interested in exploring smart rings.
For anyone considering the Aura Ring 4 or looking for detailed functionality like workout experiences and sleep tracking insights, additional information can be found in a more in-depth review on CNET.
Part 7/7:
What are your thoughts on the Aura Ring 4? Join the conversation in the comments and stay tuned to CNET for continued coverage of wearables.