Oura Launches New Smart Ring Features
Oura is enhancing its health tracking features in the Oura Smart Ring by introducing two new capabilities focused on heart health: Cardiovascular Age (CVA) and Cardio Capacity. These features are set to roll out to Oura users by the end of May, marking a significant step in the company’s focus on preventative health care.
Cardiovascular Age: A New Measure of Heart Health
Cardiovascular Age provides users with an estimation of arterial stiffness, a key indicator of vascular health. Utilizing the pulse wave velocity data gathered by the Oura Smart Ring Gen 3’s photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, CVA offers insights into the aging of the vascular system relative to the user’s chronological age. The system requires 14 days of data to establish a baseline and can indicate whether a user’s vascular system is aging faster, slower, or in line with their chronological age, within a five-year variance.
Cardio Capacity
In contrast to traditional methods that measure VO2 max—typically used to gauge athletic performance—Oura Oura Smart Ring’s Cardio Capacity feature aims to highlight overall health span and longevity. This metric calculates the maximum volume of oxygen an individual can use during intense exercise, adjusted per kilogram of body weight. Notably, Oura simplifies the measurement process by using a walking test instead of requiring more strenuous activities like running or cycling.
Scheduled Release and Future Updates
Both features will become accessible to Oura members starting May 28, with the company planning regular updates to these tools. Oura intends to integrate these measurements into a more comprehensive health overview within the app, allowing users to see how changes in Cardio Capacity and CVA relate to other wellness metrics such as Readiness and Activity trends.
Oura’s latest health features underscore its commitment to leveraging advanced technology for preventative healthcare. The company’s strategic focus is on mitigating risks associated with severe health issues like coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, among others. Unlike some competitors, Oura has chosen not to include atrial fibrillation detection via ECG at this time, focusing instead on more universally applicable health metrics.
In a discussion about the new features, Oura CEO Tom Hale emphasized the importance of broader preventative measures over niche detections such as ECG for atrial fibrillation, which affects only a small portion of the population. Hale highlighted the universal relevance of vascular health: “Most of us could get an ECG – it wouldn’t matter, because we don’t have atrial fibrillation. But all of us have arteries and our blood moves through those arteries – that is universal. And the number one thing that causes a heart attack is the slow flow of blood that makes your heart have to work harder.”
Oura joins a growing list of technology firms, including Huawei and Withings, that have integrated arterial stiffness measures into their devices. However, Oura distinguishes itself with its unique approach to VO2 max estimation, focusing on longevity and overall health rather than purely athletic performance.
As Oura prepares to expand its app’s Heart Health section, users and industry observers alike are keen to see how these new features will integrate with future hardware innovations. The potential introduction of new devices could provide even deeper insights into cardiovascular health, supporting Oura’s mission to offer cutting-edge health monitoring tools.
With the introduction of Cardiovascular Age and Cardio Capacity, Oura continues to carve a distinct path in the health technology sector, focusing on actionable insights that encourage proactive health management. As the rollout begins and new features are integrated into the Oura app, the impact on user health routines and the broader health tech landscape will be closely monitored.
Also See:
Apple Retracts Controversial iPad Pro Ad, Issues Apology
Google’s Find My Device Network Expanding
M2 MacBook Pro – 13 vs 14 vs 16
——————————————————————————————————————————————Â
Techcazt, Tech Magazine. We provide you with the latest news, reviews, and insights on the most cutting-edge technology available today. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for great deals on your favorite gadgets, we’ve got you covered. The articles published in our magazine are intended to provide general information and ideas related to Tech and related topics. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but readers should always conduct their own research and consult with professionals before making decisions. If you have any comments or suggestions, please comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Do not forget to give us a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE.
