Ultrahuman’s smart ring now features FDA-approved AFib detection, marking a significant advancement in wearable health tech
Nevertheless, the situation is undergoing rapid transformation. Oura, the category’s (relatively) veteran startup, has been driving significantly into retail, while Samsung will debut its first finger-worn wellness tracker later this month.
In the face of intensifying competition, Ultrahuman, an Indian startup, has presented a compelling argument for its market position with its most recent set of updates. It is worth noting that the Ring Air now provides AFib (atrial fibrillation) detection.
The detection of AFib will be a premium option, necessitating a recurring monthly subscription of $4.90.
The feature is powered by FibriCheck, a photoplethysmography (PPG)–based technique that measures cardiac rhythm by applying a light source to the skin and measuring changes in blood volume as the heart pumps fluid around the body. The FDA and European medical device regulators have approved FibriCheck.
As a flagship feature of Apple’s smartwatch for several years, AFib detection may be a familiar concept to you. However, Apple’s wrist-mounted wearable employs a distinct (but still regulator-approved) detection method based on ECG (electrocardiogram).
Shoppers interested in a wearable will likely decide between a smartwatch and a smart ring. Consequently, the more functionally similar a device is, the greater the potential for elevation. This is the case for Ultrahuman’s Ring Air.
In Australia, the EU, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, Ultrahuman’s AFib detection feature has been granted regulatory approval.
Mohit Kumar, Ultrahuman’s CEO and co-founder, informed TechCrunch that the company is currently bringing the product to the U.S. and Indian markets within the next two to three months.
What is the feature’s level of precision? Kumar responded, “We have conducted many tests to ensure that the AFib detection algorithm matches the accuracy and signal quality of the AFib. We are exercising caution in this regard, as we are held to a higher standard of responsibility.” “This is why we are restricting its availability to instances in which we have obtained regulatory approvals and conducted workflow tests to identify false positives and negative outcomes.”
“The sensitivity and specificity of the base detection algorithm are 91.86% and 97.59%, respectively.”
Ultrahuman is opening up to third-party developers through “PowerPlugs,” a platform for individual apps and plug-ins built on top of its health and wellness data stack, in conjunction with the introduction of AFib detection.
Ultrahuman asserts that this is a world-first in a smart ring, as it is with AFib detection.
Ultrahuman’s SDK will enable developers to leverage the extensive health data currently being fed into its platform, which is obtained through the sale of the CGM (continuous glucose monitor) metabolic tracking service and the ring. This data will be used to develop and power additional features that users can access through free or paid software plug-ins.
One method of scaling to meet the needs of a more diverse user base is for the startup to encourage developers to participate in the development of additional capabilities and achieve greater customization of the smart ring’s function. This is particularly important as more consumers become aware of the potential of smart rings and consider investing in them.
It is also a potential avenue for stimulating innovation, as the competition in the industry typically intensifies when a sufficient number of developers participate in developing applications and services for Ultrahuman’s platform.
“One size does not fit all when it comes to health,” Kumar stated. “That is why we developed PowerPlugs, allowing individuals to select the aspects of their health and wellness that are most important to them.” Ultrahuman’s exhaustive health data platform is anticipated to be the foundation for developing thousands of applications in the coming years.
“With our most comprehensive data stack of health markers, including Ultrahuman Ring, M1 CGM, Ultrahuman Home, and more to come, there is infinite potential to develop profound experiences in the coming years.” In essence, your Ultrahuman Ring will continue to improve following its acquisition.
In our review of the Ring Air last year, we also noted that the ring’s feature mix was becoming somewhat cluttered, as multiple widgets were displayed in the product’s tab in the app. Some of these widgets, such as overall sleep and recovery scores versus stimulant window recommendations, may be more or less interesting to the user.
This update will enable users to personalize the available features by selecting the most suitable elements for their needs. Kumar affirms, “We have merely relocated certain preexisting features to PlugIns to enhance the user experience.”
The development does not alter Ultrahuman’s policy of not charging ring users a subscription to access fundamental features.
Oura, the startup’s primary competitor in the smart ring market, presently implements a monthly subscription fee. Nevertheless, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which is scheduled to be released shortly, will also be available without a paid subscription, at least initially. Consequently, Ultrahuman will not be the sole provider of a subscription-free smart ring in numerous markets once Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is released.
Kumar confirms that the app will not require additional costs and that there will be “loads” of free plug-ins. This includes the Caffeine Window feature, Circadian Alignment, Pregnancy insights, Cycle tracking, and Vitamin D exposure tracking, which were already freely available. It will consist of a subset of services that are premium (paid) add-ons.
“There are numerous new PowerPlugs that will be available for free, and the general rule for paid ones is that they must incur direct third-party or regulatory approval costs.” “The platform’s fundamental functionality is a no-subscription experience.” Only a limited number of new services (not features) may be compensated to share and motivate third-party developers to create additional capabilities through our SDK UltraSignal.
What are the privacy implications for Ultrahuman’s consumers if third parties can access health data to develop these supplementary services?
Kumar stated, “We exclusively transmit de-identified anonymized data to these services to prevent potential data privacy breaches.”
“Ultimately, the platform experience will be determined by features,” he stated, emphasizing that these features will be available at no cost. In contrast, only add-on services will incur an additional cost, including metabolic tracking through CGM hardware sensors, AFib detection through regulated PPG, and blood testing (also known as Ultrahuman’s Blood Vision service, which provides on-demand blood testing by dispatching a qualified phlebotomist to the customer’s residence to collect blood).
“In certain instances, these necessitate an additional cost and manual intervention, which is why they behave as a paid service,” he emphasized. He also said, “At its core, Ring Air is a subscription-free ring that offers all features, and we are committed to maintaining this fundamental principle.”