The long-awaited Oura Ring 4 has finally been released, and we can expect several important updates to its design, precision, and durability

Since the release of the flagship Oura Ring 3 in 2021, members have been eagerly awaiting the latest version of the Oura Ring ever since leaked information about the Oura Ring 4 hit the market this summer I have been a fan of the Oura Ring 3 for years now, and even though I am convinced it is the best smart ring on the market, there are areas where Oura could improve with the latest release

For those new to the smart ring scene, Oura has updated the Oura app experience for both Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 users and introduced the redesigned Oura Ring 4 And along with the redesign of the Oura Ring 4, Oura also announced an update to the Oura app experience for users of both the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 Here it is

The Oura app is already quite extensive However, users can benefit from a refreshed app experience at no additional charge, and Oura Ring 3 users can access all of these new features in the Oura app with a quick update in the coming weeks

Aside from the app, if you are new to the Oura Ring or upgrading from 3, you will need to make some hardware changes, and it appears that these have been implemented with the release of Oura Ring 4

Already ahead of the curve in arguably reliable tracking, Oura Ring 4 promises smart sensing driven by a combination of proprietary finger physiology-adaptive algorithms and “research-grade sensors” for more accurate and continuous data delivery

Unlike Ring 3, these sensors are recessed to provide better comfort and can adapt to real-world situations where the ring rotates or shifts throughout the day They also take into account differences in finger shape, anatomy, and skin color

Tom Hale, CEO of Oura, said the next generation Oura Ring 4, the revamped app, and the smart sensing platform are “a major step forward for wearables in accuracy, comfort, personalization, and design” The sensors are designed to be used with the OuraSensor [The sensor aims to more than double the signal path (from 8 to 18 with two triple LEDS and three photo LEDS) compared to Oura Ring 3, adapting to find the optimal signal path, reducing data gaps and providing more accurate and continuous data collection for users throughout the day and night Provide

In August 2024, Oura conducted a study in which 60 participants of varying ages, genders, and skin colors were asked to wear the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 overnight in a sleep clinic

The results showed a 120% improvement in blood oxygenation measurements (Sp02) and a 30% improvement in the accuracy of average overnight Sp02 measurements In addition, the accuracy of the breathing disability index (BDI) improved by 15%, and the discrepancy between daytime and nighttime heart rates decreased by 7% and 31%, respectively At 33mm tall (13mm taller than the previous version), it sits flush with the finger and has a smoother interior This should improve overall comfort, but the domed sensor of the 3 is not a big deal for me personally; Oura has also created a thinner, sleeker ring design without sacrificing the accuracy of the sensor

There are now 12 sizes from size 4 to 15 (4 more than before) and 6 colors to choose from: rose gold, gold, silver, brushed silver, stealth, and a new black finish with a tungsten PVD coating for increased durability and “deep black The new colors are available in six different finishes Oura also eliminated the Horizon and Heritage design options in favor of the all-circular Horizon look

If you are planning to purchase the Oura Ring 4, we recommend the new sizing kit, as the recessed sensor may affect the fit I have yet to get my hands on an Oura Ring 4, but I look forward to seeing how these changes will affect day-to-day usability and comfort

I have had my Oura Ring 3 (gold) for several years and it was not in great shape Mine is scratched and battered, with little of the original gold color left, and given that the Oura Ring is designed to track activities and workouts, I expected it to be durable enough to handle most events Oura claims that titanium allows light to pass through and is good at blocking stray light, which not only makes the ring more durable, but also helps increase its accuracy3 Since the 3 was the first release of this ring, it appears that at least Oura has designed a more rugged titanium version this time around

The Oura Ring 4 may be the most discreet, comfortable, and accurate smart ring ever Pricing starts at $349 and shipping is expected to begin on October 15, 2024 With every purchase, you get one month of free membership access Monthly memberships are $599 and annual memberships are $6999