Oura has also introduced GLP-1 tracking. Members can log injections or oral medications, monitor side effects, and record weight changes. You’ll also receive reminders on scheduled dose days and progress recaps through the Today tab. Even if you’re not taking a GLP-1 medication yourself, it’s easy to see why Oura added the feature, given how many people now use these drugs as part of long-term health management.
The company is placing greater emphasis on privacy as well. A new time-based Data Deletion feature lets users across all Oura generations erase data from specific periods without deleting their entire health history. Members also have more granular oversight with configurable controls over how their data is used and shared with third parties.
Oura also now supports multiple rings on a single account. You can pair both Ring 4 and Ring 5 devices and switch between them without paying for another membership, making it easy to alternate styles without losing your health history.
I especially appreciate this feature, because as much as I enjoy the Ring 5, I’m not quite ready to retire my Ring 4 Ceramic. Sure, that’s largely because of its look, but now I don’t have to choose between aesthetics and continuity. I can wear whichever ring fits the occasion without sacrificing my data.
The gap between Oura and its competitors has narrowed considerably. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring integrates well with Galaxy phones; Ultrahuman avoids subscription fees altogether, and RingConn still offers some of the best battery life in the category. But after living with all of them, I still think Oura, despite the required subscription to access all features, delivers the strongest software experience. (Without the $6-per-month subscription, you can only view your Readiness, Activity, and Sleep Scores.)
Whether the Ring 5 is worth buying depends entirely on what you’re upgrading from. If this is your first smart ring, or you’re coming from a Ring 2 or Ring 3, the Ring 5 is an easy recommendation. The smaller design, improved comfort, and steadily expanding software platform make it the most polished version Oura has released.
If you already own a Ring 4, the decision is less straightforward. I didn’t see dramatic gains in sensor accuracy, and most software additions are coming to older hardware anyway. Unless you particularly want the slimmer design or value the improved comfort enough to justify the cost, I’d probably wait another generation.
That said, the Oura Ring 5 remains the smart ring I’d recommend to most people. Plenty of wearables collect health data, but Oura does the best job of actually influencing how I train, sleep, and recover. That’s what keeps me wearing it long after the novelty has worn off.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Read the full article here