Ultrahuman Ring Air Ups Its Game with Afib Detection and Opens Up to Developers

As the smart ring market gains traction with major players like Samsung entering the scene, Ultrahuman is pushing the envelope with its Ring Air.

Ultrahuman, a pioneer in the smart ring category, is enhancing its offerings with new health features, including atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection.

AFib Detection for Early Warning Signs

Ultrahuman Ring Air now offers atrial fibrillation (Afib) detection, a potentially life-saving feature that can identify irregular heart rhythms. This functionality is similar to what Apple Watches have offered for years, but uses a different approach. While Apple Watches rely on electrocardiograms (ECG), Ultrahuman leverages photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. Both methods are approved by regulatory bodies.

Subscription Required for Afib Feature

Afib detection on the Ring Air comes with a monthly subscription fee of $4.90 (around Rs 400). This feature is currently available in select regions like the EU, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, with plans to expand to the US and India soon.

Accuracy and Regulatory Approval

Ultrahuman emphasizes the accuracy of the Afib detection algorithm, but is cautious about its rollout due to the potentially life-altering nature of the information. The company is only offering the feature in regions with regulatory approval and has established workflows to minimize false positives and negatives.

PowerPlugs: Opening the Door for Third-Party Developers

Ultrahuman is also introducing "PowerPlugs," a platform that allows third-party developers to create apps and plugins specifically designed for the Ring Air. This is a first for a smart ring and leverages the wealth of health data collected by the device, including information from the company's CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Developers can utilize Ultrahuman's SDK to build features that users can choose from, offering a more customized health and wellness experience.

Focus on Free Plugins with Premium Options

Ultrahuman anticipates a mix of free and paid PowerPlugs. Existing free features like Vitamin D tracking and sleep analysis will remain free, while add-on services like Afib detection and blood testing will require a subscription. The company emphasizes that user data will be anonymized before being shared with third-party developers.

Subscription-Free Core Features Remain

Despite the introduction of Afib detection as a subscription service, Ultrahuman maintains its commitment to offering core features on the Ring Air without a subscription. This is in contrast to some competitors like Oura, which charges a monthly fee. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Ring is also expected to be subscription-free initially.

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