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Health Tech

All articles tagged with #health tech

Oura Ring 5: slimmer update, but upgrading isn’t essential
tech2 hours ago

Oura Ring 5: slimmer update, but upgrading isn’t essential

The Verge’s Victoria Song says the Oura Ring 5 is a thinner, lighter Ring 4 with the same sensors, battery life, and software features, making it solid for newcomers but not a must‑upgrade for current Ring 4 users. Sizing is more limited (no sizes 4, 5, 14, or 15; no ceramic option), and the charging case is now a $99 accessory that isn’t backward/forward‑compatible. It also adds several software updates—GLP‑1 Insights, Health Radar, medical lab imports, data deletion, improved live activity tracking, and an AI doctor chatbot—which can feel cluttered and contribute to data fatigue. Still, at $399 and with a $6/month subscription, Oura remains the best smart ring for a simple health tracker, just not a dramatic leap over its predecessor.

FDA backs off enforcement on Whoop’s blood pressure reading after updates
health-tech18 days ago

FDA backs off enforcement on Whoop’s blood pressure reading after updates

The FDA told wearable maker Whoop it would not pursue further enforcement action over its Blood Pressure Insights feature after tweaks; the agency had previously warned in 2025 that the reading constituted a medical device requiring clearance, a stance Whoop disputed by labeling the feature wellness-focused. Experts warn that even with these tweaks, the updated wellness guidance remains ambiguous and could pose risks to users.

The Oura Ring: Sleep Data as Insight, Not Verdict
health-and-wellness1 month ago

The Oura Ring: Sleep Data as Insight, Not Verdict

A longtime Oura Ring user found its sleep data unreliable, leading to anxiety and eventual disuse, illustrating that wearables can mislead if overemphasized. Experts say data should complement medical care, not replace it, and consumers should interpret metrics as partial insights. The story also highlights balance: the user still values certain metrics from Apple Watch without relying on it for sleep, suggesting wearables are useful in context but should be taken with caution.

Oura Ring 5 Slashes Size by 40% and Ups Health Capabilities
technology1 month ago

Oura Ring 5 Slashes Size by 40% and Ups Health Capabilities

Oura’s Ring 5 is 40% smaller than Ring 4, thanks to redesigned internals that shrink signal paths from 18 to 12 and boost LEDs for better readings across skin tones. It comes in sizes 6–13 (Ring 4 offered 4–15) and includes a charging case that can keep it powered for about a month. Hardware updates accompany Health Radar, AI-assisted guidance via Counsel Health, GLP-1 Insights, Health Records, and Live Activity on iPhone, among other features. Pre-orders are live with shipping starting June 6; pricing starts at $399 (base), $499 for additional finishes, $99 for the charging case, and a $6/month or $70/year subscription.

Fitbit Air: Early Impressions After 24 Hours
technology1 month ago

Fitbit Air: Early Impressions After 24 Hours

A DC Rainmaker 24-hour peek at the Fitbit Air covers a full unboxing, initial hardware comparisons (to Whoop 5.0/MG, Polar Loop, and Amazfit Helio), and on-wrist shots for both Ray and his wife. The post signals a deeper look once a 24-hour data pass is analyzed in Google Health, including early running and cycling data, with plans to expand the review as more metrics come in.

PMOS reveals the long road to truly personalized health
column1 month ago

PMOS reveals the long road to truly personalized health

Victoria Song argues that renaming PCOS to PMOS reflects a broader hormonal and metabolic condition, and that personalized health tech is not yet capable of reliably addressing chronic illnesses. While wearables and AI promise tailored guidance, PMOS manifests differently across individuals, interacts with insulin resistance and medications, and is influenced by factors like hormonal contraception, making universal personalization elusive. Despite industry optimism, real-world personalization still requires significant self-tracking, medical input, and trial-and-error, highlighting a gap between hype and what current science and healthcare systems can safely deliver.

Fitbit Air hints at May release with colorful, screen-free tracking
wearables2 months ago

Fitbit Air hints at May release with colorful, screen-free tracking

A rumored Fitbit Air, a screen-free fitness tracker aiming to rival Whoop, is expected to launch around May 16 for about $99. It would focus on passive metrics like sleep, heart rate, HRV, and activity without a monthly fee, and would offer multiple color options and bands (Obsidian, Lavender, Berry) as Google continues to push into health wearables.

Luffu: Fitbit founders' AI-powered family health hub
tech5 months ago

Luffu: Fitbit founders' AI-powered family health hub

Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman unveiled Luffu, an AI-powered family health platform that aggregates data from devices like Apple Health and Fitbit, plus family-shared data via voice prompts, text, or photos, to track medications, diet, and sleep; it offers personalized answers and proactive alerts, and is currently in private testing with a mobile app first, with hardware devices planned later to cover the whole family (including pets).

Oura Partners with Dexcom to Enhance Blood Sugar Monitoring with Smart Rings
tech1 year ago

Oura Partners with Dexcom to Enhance Blood Sugar Monitoring with Smart Rings

Oura, the smart ring maker, has secured a $75 million investment from glucose monitoring device firm Dexcom, raising its valuation to over $5 billion. This partnership will integrate Oura's rings with Dexcom's glucose monitoring technology, allowing users to track blood sugar levels and make informed health decisions. The first app integration is expected by mid-2025. Oura, which has sold 2.5 million rings, anticipates doubling its sales in 2024. This collaboration positions Oura and Dexcom against competitors like Apple, which is also exploring noninvasive glucose monitoring solutions.