Exploring the Ultrahuman Ring AIR: A New Era in Health Tracking
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Wearing the Ultrahuman Ring AIR: First Impressions
This year, I've been closely monitoring my health and fitness metrics, which has led me to wear three different tracking devices. It's essential to clarify that if I weren't a tech reviewer, I would likely stick to just one device, probably a smartwatch.
That said, I recognize that smartwatches aren't for everyone, and many individuals might not wear any kind of watch at all—be it smart or traditional. This gap in the market has prompted various brands, both established and emerging, to delve into the realm of smart rings. For instance, Samsung showcased its upcoming smart ring at Mobile World Congress, and rumors suggest Apple is also developing a health-centric ring. Essentially, it seems that nearly every notable tech manufacturer is either unveiling their own smart ring or is in the process of creating one.
Fortunately, there are already several smart rings available, allowing me to prepare for the influx of new options by trying out this innovative health tracking method. My first choice is the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, and here are my initial thoughts.
A Preference for Watches
I've always been a watch enthusiast, ever since my childhood when I was fascinated by digital devices, especially those with full calculator keypads. As I grew older, I transitioned to shiny, metallic mechanical watches until I finally embraced the Apple Watch in 2015. Recently, I switched to the Garmin MARQ Commander, which satisfies my desire for a traditional round watch face with impressive battery life.
If this discussion of watches bores you, it's likely that you're not a watch aficionado. However, you probably share an interest in utilizing technology to monitor your health and fitness metrics. This is precisely why devices like the Ring AIR exist.
I'd love to know your preference: are you a ring person or a watch person? Share your thoughts in the comments!
My Current Health Trackers
As mentioned earlier, I currently have three health-tracking devices on me, with only one being a watch. Let's start with the Garmin MARQ Commander—Garmin's premium timepiece designed for military personnel, or those who enjoy its aesthetic. It features functions that I hope never to need and comes with a hefty price tag. A detailed review will follow soon.
Next is the Whoop fitness band, which I've been testing on my right wrist. I plan to provide a comprehensive evaluation after a year of use, but having previously reviewed it after three months, I can say that my current findings are quite intriguing.
Lastly, there's the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, which has been adorning my left index finger for the last couple of weeks.
Ultrahuman Ring AIR: The Hardware
Priced at $349, the Ring AIR comes in five styles: Raw Titanium, Aster Black, Matte Grey (my choice), Bionic Gold, and Space Silver. It also offers ten sizes, and Ultrahuman sends a sizing kit to ensure you find the perfect fit. I found myself between sizes 9 and 10, ultimately choosing the latter, which has proven to be comfortable.
The Ring AIR is a straightforward piece of jewelry. Aside from the color choices, it features a smooth, unembellished exterior—similar in width to a wedding band. The Matte Grey version I selected is subtle enough for someone like me, who typically doesn't wear rings. Weighing only 2.4 grams, it's also very lightweight.
What sets it apart is the technology within. Hidden inside are several sensors and visible circuitry, confirming its smart capabilities. It even glows, though only noticeable in dim lighting.
As a gadget, the Ring AIR is impressive. It includes Bluetooth LE hardware, six sensors, and a battery life of up to six days. The fighter-jet-grade outer shell feels sturdy, and although it may collect some scratches over time, it is water-resistant, allowing you to wear it during various activities.
The battery life is commendable, and Ultrahuman recommends frequent, short charging sessions to prolong battery health and enhance user experience. I've placed the convenient charging puck on my editing desk, making it easy to charge whenever necessary.
Overall, the hardware of the Ring AIR is quite remarkable, and I’m enjoying wearing it.
Ultrahuman Ring AIR: The Software
While two weeks isn’t enough time to evaluate the Ring AIR's effectiveness as a health tracker, I can share my impressions of its companion app. Having navigated through Garmin Connect, Apple Health, Samsung Health, and Whoop in recent months, I can confidently say that Ultrahuman's app stands out as my favorite.
Its design is inviting and user-friendly. In contrast to the competing health apps, which can be overwhelming with their data, Ultrahuman's app presents information in a straightforward manner. It features sleep, recovery, and strain scores displayed on the Home screen, along with brief explanations for each metric. This layout allows for immediate understanding without needing to sift through extensive data.
For those who wish to delve deeper, the app offers comprehensive insights, revealing information such as the Adenosine Clearance Window—a crucial factor in determining caffeine consumption times.
Furthermore, Ultrahuman integrates with several other health services, including MyFitnessPal, which I’ve opted to incorporate with a proper subscription.
Initial Thoughts
My preliminary experience with the Ultrahuman Ring AIR and its app has been enlightening. As someone who doesn't typically wear rings, this device must demonstrate its value to remain on my finger long-term.
So far, it has exceeded my expectations. I appreciate its aesthetic appeal, and the app is genuinely enjoyable to use. More importantly, I find myself wanting to engage with it—something I have struggled with when using other platforms.
Stay tuned for further updates; this journey promises to be fascinating!
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In this video, the reviewer assesses whether the Ultrahuman Ring AIR is worth the investment after six months of use. Watch for an honest perspective on its performance and features.
In this follow-up video, the reviewer shares insights and experiences after wearing the Ultrahuman Ring AIR for three months, highlighting its effectiveness in health tracking.