Oura Ring 4 Debuts in Ceramic: $500, Four Colors, and a Premium Charging Case

Oura Unveils Ceramic Smart Rings: Premium Materials Meet Enhanced Durability

In a surprising move, Oura Ring has opted to launch updated versions of its popular smart ring, dubbed the Ceramic Ring 4, instead of introducing a fifth generation. These new iterations, starting at a premium price point of $500, arrive in four sophisticated finishes: Midnight (a deep navy), Petal (a delicate rose hue), Tide (a refreshing mint green), and Cloud (a crisp white). This strategic material upgrade promises enhanced longevity, a crucial aspect for wearable technology designed for constant use.

Material Upgrade: The Trade-offs of Ceramic Brilliance

The introduction of ceramic, touted by Oura for its superior durability, comes with a noticeable trade-off in terms of physical dimensions. The Ceramic Ring 4 now weighs between 5-8 grams, a significant increase from the 3-5 grams of its titanium predecessors. Furthermore, the ring's thickness has grown to 3.51 mm, up from the previous 2.88 mm. While this ceramic shell offers impressive resilience against scratches and daily wear, a potential drawback is its susceptibility to absorbing dyes from other materials, a curious quirk that users might need to manage. It's worth noting that the interior of the ring, where the sensitive sensors reside, remains constructed from titanium.

Enhanced Features and Subscription Model

Despite the physical changes, the Ceramic Ring 4 retains its robust functionality. It boasts full waterproofing up to 100 meters, ensuring it can accompany you on any aquatic adventure. Battery life remains a strong suit, offering 5 to 8 days of continuous use on a single charge, a welcome feature for those who prefer less frequent charging. Oura has also expanded its software capabilities, with the Oura app now supporting the management of multiple rings simultaneously – a boon for households where several members use Oura devices. Core tracking features, including heart rate, SpO2, and skin temperature sensors, alongside an accelerometer for motion detection, provide comprehensive insights into sleep patterns and activity levels. However, unlocking the full potential of these advanced analytics necessitates a monthly subscription of $5.99.

Beyond the Ring: Health Panels and a Dedicated Charging Case

For users in the United States, Oura is rolling out an innovative "Health Panels" feature. This allows individuals to schedule blood tests through Quest Diagnostics and then view approximately 50 key biomarkers directly within the Oura app. To further empower users, an AI-powered Oura Advisor chatbot is available for interpreting these results, though this comprehensive service comes at an additional cost of $99 per test. Complementing the ring is a newly introduced accessory: a dedicated charging case, priced at $100. Crafted from aluminum, this case supports multiple ring sizes, fully recharges the ring in 90 minutes, and can provide up to five full charges on the go. Its compact design (5.6 x 5.5 x 1.7 cm) and 60-gram weight make it a convenient travel companion.