Circular Ring 2 adds blood pressure sensing feature

The Circular Ring 2 is a new smart ring that aims to compete in a market dominated by bigger companies like Oura and Samsung. It recently exceeded its crowdfunding goal of $1 million. One of its standout features is the ability to measure blood pressure, which will be available with a software update later this year. The ring uses a combination of ECG (electrocardiogram) and PPG (photoplethysmogram) technology to take accurate blood pressure readings. This makes it the first smart ring known to achieve this level of precision. Users can measure their blood pressure in about 30 seconds to a few minutes, helping them understand how their activities impact their health. While it may seem surprising that a ring can measure blood pressure, this technology has been tested in clinical settings. Other major brands like Apple and Samsung have not yet incorporated this feature into their wearables. Research supports the method used by Circular, which correlates pulse transit time with blood pressure readings. The Circular Ring 2 also has features to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and ECG activity. It is the first FDA-cleared smart ring to offer ECG measurements and can detect atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition. Currently, the Circular Ring 2 is available through Kickstarter for early backers at a price of $239, with a regular retail price of $549. It does not require a subscription, making all features accessible right away.