Size
The size of the ring should correspond to the size of the finger on which it is intended to be worn. A product that is too large will dangle and even fall off, while a product that is too small will put too much pressure on your finger (if it fits on it at all).
There are several options for marking the size of smart rings. So, in the American style, it is customary to indicate size in numbers from “7” to “11” (smaller and larger values also occur, but quite rarely). A more traditional designation is the diameter of the ring, expressed in millimeters - it is customary to mark classic and jewelry rings in a similar way. In any case, there are special tables and measuring kits to determine the appropriate size.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth wireless technology is used to directly connect various devices to each other. This is the most popular interface in smart rings: Bluetooth modules can be made very miniature, the communication range even in the earliest versions reaches 10 m, and different generations of technology are mutually compatible in functionality.
Currently, the 5th edition of Bluetooth technology and its subversions have become widespread:
Bluetooth v 5.0. A notable innovation in version 5 was the introduction of additional operating modes of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): an increased speed mode (by reducing the range) and an extended range mode (by reducing the speed). The key benefit of these innovations is to improve the overall reliability of communications, increase their range and reduce the number of breaks.
Bluetooth v5.1. Update to revision v 5.0, in which, in addition to general improvements in the quality and reliability of communication, it became possible to determine the direction from which the Bluetooth signal is coming. Thanks to this, the location of connected devices is determined with centimeter accuracy, which has a positive effect on the quality of the wireless connection.
Bluetooth v5.2. The main innovations in this version are security improvements and additional optimization of power consumption in BLE mode.
Bluetooth v 5.3. Among the innovations in version 5.3, we accelerated the process of negoti...ating a communication channel between the controller and the device, implemented the function of quickly switching between the operating state in a low duty cycle and a high-speed mode, and improved the throughput and stability of the connection by reducing susceptibility to interference. When unexpected interference occurs in Low Energy mode, the procedure for selecting a communication channel to switch from now on has been accelerated.
Bluetooth v5.4. This edition has increased the range and speed of data exchange. Also in Bluetooth v 5.4, the energy-saving BLE mode has been improved. This version of the protocol uses new security features to protect data from unauthorized access, has increased connection reliability by selecting the best channel for communication, and prevents connection breaks due to interference. Identification modules
Wireless modules for emulating various actions - exchanging information with NFC devices, simulating payment cards or cards with an RFID interface, etc.
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NFC. Wireless communication technology at short distances (up to 10 cm). One of the most popular uses of NFC is using a ring for contactless payments. The function actually turns the device into an analogue of a credit card with a chip and allows you to pay without once again removing the card from your wallet or pocket. Another common function is to simplify Bluetooth connection with a smartphone or tablet that also has NFC: instead of manual setup, just bring one device to another - they will automatically recognize each other and establish a connection; all that remains is to confirm the connection. Other methods of interaction may also be provided - for example, reading NFC tags, selecting the operating profile of a paired smartphone, sending a business card, etc.
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ID/IC. ID / IC (Identification / Integrated Circuit) modules can be used in smart rings for access control systems, storing personal information or identification under lock and key.
The ID module in smart rings provides access to devices with an RFID radio frequency identification interface operating at a frequency of 125 kHz. This could be an electronic pass to work, a card for using an elevator, and other similar devices. In turn, the IC module (13.56
...MHz) emulates various payment (but not bank) cards - travel documents, telephone and discount cards, etc. To use a smart ring as an ID or IC card, you will need to have an original card or an RFID key on hand, from which you need to read the information and write it onto the ring.Contactless key
Possibility of using a smart ring as
a contactless key. Models with this function can read and remember lock tags: from intercoms, electronic locks in offices and workspaces, and some car keys. To open the door of a conventional entrance or start the car, just bring the ring to the corresponding reader. This eliminates the need to carry physical cards or keys, and one ring can be used to access different objects and electronic locks.
Function programming
Supports flexible configuration of the ring's smart ring to perform specific tasks and interact with various external systems.
Programming the functions of the ring may mean setting up NFC tags or contactless payments, controlling various devices from the smart home eco-system, using the device to securely log into accounts, and other similar tasks. However, keep in mind that flashing a smart ring may often require additional equipment (specialized programmers).
Optional measurements
Types of sports and medical measurements supported by the gadget (plus some functions for similar purposes).
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Pulse monitor. The heart rate monitor in smart rings is used to determine the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle. Measuring heart rate is important for targeted sports training - based on the readings of the heart rate sensor, you can adjust the intensity of training so that the heart rate is constantly in the optimal range and, moreover, does not exceed safe values. At the same time, pulse rate is one of the most important indicators of the state of the body’s cardiovascular system.
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Pressure (tonometer). Sensor for measuring blood pressure level. It is worth considering that the measurement error using it can be 10% or even more - it will not replace a full-fledged medical tonometer. On the other hand, a gadget with this function is quite capable of detecting a critical increase or decrease in pressure, which allows you to take the necessary measures in a timely manner.
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ECG (cardiogram). The ECG sensor provides detailed information about the user's heart function. Note that it is not a full-fledged electrocardiograph, but rather an advanced type of heart rate monitor with the ability to monitor heart rhythm patterns. With its help, you can detect some dangerous phenomena and take appropriate measures in time - fo
...r example, atrial fibrillation, which is initially imperceptible to a person.
— Heart rate variability (HRV). Sensor for measuring the intervals between successive contractions of the heart muscle. These measurements are important indicators of the functioning of the nervous system and can reflect stress levels, physical fitness, and the general condition of the body. At the same time, the heart rate variability (HRV) indicator helps assess the user’s readiness for physical activity, determining the optimal moments for training and rest.
— Blood oxygen level. A pulse oximeter is responsible for determining the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. Measurements using it are carried out using a non-invasive method, i.e. without punctures or other damage to the skin. Like most “medical” sensors in smart rings, the pulse oximeter is not ultra-precise and is not a full-fledged medical device, but it is quite capable of responding to a critical decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. The function can be useful both for certain diseases of the respiratory system and for completely healthy users (primarily climbers and balloonists).
- Body temperature. Sensor for measuring the user's body temperature. The built-in thermometer can produce small measurement errors, so it is not always able to recognize slight deviations from the norm, but a significant increase in temperature will definitely not miss such a sensor.
— Number of steps. Function for counting the number of steps taken. The pedometer usually uses data from the built-in accelerometer and the measurement results with its help are quite accurate. The only exception to the rule is shaking when traveling on public transport or driving a car. When evaluating the results obtained, she may add a few extra steps.
— Distance traveled. Measures the total distance traveled by the user. For this, data from a pedometer is usually used - the distance covered is calculated by the number of steps multiplied by a given step length. This method has an error, but most often this drawback is not critical.
— Energy consumption (calories). Measuring the number of calories burned. These data are quite approximate, since they are calculated using indirect parameters (speed and range of movement, personal characteristics of a person, etc.). However, even such accuracy is quite sufficient to determine the overall effectiveness of training.
- Sleep tracking. To assess quality, data from several smart ring sensors is used at once. Thus, a heart rate monitor monitors the user’s heart rate, an accelerometer tracks his movements, and a pulse oximeter (if provided) increases the accuracy of collecting information about the quality of sleep. According to sensor readings, the moments of entry into and exit from deep sleep phases are recorded. The feature helps you determine an appropriate time frame for going to bed and can provide personalized recommendations to improve your night's rest.
- Stress level. The level of stress in the body is a very relative indicator. The metric that determines heart rate variability (see above) helps to evaluate it. However, the user's breathing rate and oxygen consumption are taken into account. Stress levels are usually shown on a scale from 0 to 100, often indicating the number of hours the body is under stress and the time it takes for it to return to normal. From a practical point of view, this parameter allows you to determine the most optimal body mode for sports or all kinds of activities.
— Women's calendar. A function that allows you to track the characteristics of the menstrual cycle in the fair sex. The women's calendar records cycle dates, fertile windows and ovulation days, and the device itself can calculate the estimated start date of the next menstruation. Keeping a women's calendar will help determine the most favorable days for conception, notice alarming symptoms in time and prevent many diseases due to cycle disorders.Sports modes
The presence of preset
sports training modes in the smart ring. The most common ones are running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc. Note that the quantity and quality of recorded data for different sports directly depends on the technical level of equipment of a particular device.
Battery capacity
Capacity of the battery installed in the device. Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the longer the smart ring will stay afloat without the need to recharge the battery. However, in practice, the autonomy of a gadget also depends on its energy consumption, and this is determined by the characteristics of the display (if available) and functionality. Therefore, in terms of battery capacity, you can only compare models of the same type with very similar technical parameters, and to accurately assess autonomy, it is better to focus on the directly stated operating time (see below).
Some models of rings do not have a built-in battery at all. Smart functions are not available in them, but they do have NFC and ID / IC modules (for more details, see “Identification modules”).
Operating time
Time of continuous operation of the smart ring without recharging the battery. When choosing based on this indicator, it is worth considering that it is quite approximate. In practice, the operating time greatly depends on the intensity of use of the gadget. Often, the estimated autonomy period refers to the use of a device with a relatively low load.