RingConn is all set to raise the bar with its second-generation smart ring by being the first to detect sleep apnea. Boasting impressive features, I dive into the differences from Gen 1 and review whether the Gen 2 is worth the upgrade.
The new variant has received funding of over $3.5 million on Kickstarter for this, along with many other remarkable new features. Positioned as a strong contender against the market giant Oura Ring and the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Ring, the RingConn makes a compelling alternative. Let’s have a look at the RingConn Gen 2.
Specifications
| Specifications | RingConn Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Material | Aerospace-grade titanium alloy, Medical-grade epoxy, PVD coating |
| Size | 6-14 |
| Sizing Kit | Yes |
| Colors | 3 colors– Future Silver, Royal Gold, Matte Black |
| Weight | 2-3g |
| Thickness | 2mm |
| Width | 6.8mm |
| Battery Life | 10-12 days, with the charging case exceeding the battery life to 150 days |
| Charger | Smart charging case with USB-C to C cable |
| Charging Time | Approx. 120 mins |
| Water Resistant | IP68, up to 100m |
| Dust Resistant | Yes |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android |
| Warranty | 1 year in the US, 2 years in the EU |
| Price | $299 |
| Availability | Worldwide |
| Subscription | No |
Sensors :
- Advanced PPG sensors,
- temperature sensors, and
- 3D accelerometers
Features
- Sleep apnea detection
- Blood oxygen sensing
- Sleep stages
- Movement during sleep
- Total time asleep
- Sleep score
- Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability
- Activity score
- Steps
- Distance, duration, GPS, and speed
- Workout heart rate
- Calories burned
- Stress score
- All-day stress index
- Period tracking
What I was impressed with:
Design
A considerable improvement from Gen 1 and many other smart rings on the market, the RingConn Gen 2 is remarkably thinner and lighter. The sleek design might just make me put my Oura Ring on the nightstand and completely forget about it.
The colors look great, and the added bonus, is not worrying about the change in price tag when deciding on the color. I also love how they added the samples of colors and materials in the sizing kit, making the buying experience feel more personal, almost like an in-store experience.
Sleep Apnea
In addition to the various sleep metrics provided by the ring, including– sleep stages, score, and movement during sleep, the RingConn Gen 2 becomes the first smart ring to detect sleep apnea.
With a 90.7% accuracy in detecting OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), the RingConn is surely set to improve its sleep metrics, which were a little inconsistent in Gen 1. With over 3 hours of continuous sleep, the ring will be able to grasp details into potential signals that point toward sleep apnea.
The nap detection is also included in Gen 2, just like Gen 1. However, the Gen 1 used to miss taking into account the naps shorter than 15 minutes, which I’m hoping wouldn’t be the case with the Gen 2.
Added Workouts
RingConn Gen 2 comes with 3 additional types of workouts, which lets the user record a wider range of activities. Even still, the range remains limited. But then again, do I prefer using smart rings for tracking my workouts? That would be a no.
As per my research, the people who have received their Gen 2 seem to believe it stacks up well against its competitors. Honestly, I’m not surprised. It is a very promising brand, and the upgrade sure leads me to believe the metrics will be more accurate than Gen 1. The Gen 2 still lacks an in-built GPS, so I would still need to carry our phones along for outdoor activities.
The ring has detailed activity metrics such as steps, calories, intensity of workouts, and standing time, along with an activity score to get a quick glance into how well you’ve been moving about your day. The calorie expenditure is also broken down into active calories burned and basal metabolism, which could be helpful.
Wellness Score
Similar to ‘Readiness Score’ in Oura, the RingConn Gen 2 offers ‘Wellness Score’. The app crunches numbers from vital metrics such as activity, sleep quality, and stress and gives an overall number as to how ready my body is for the new day ahead.
This score has helped me plan out my days so well in the past without feeling burnt out with my Oura Ring, so I’m pretty stoked about this feature in the Gen 2 RingConn. Furthermore, the score triggers the ring’s AI abilities, and suggestions start to pop up as to how much exercise is required, maybe more rest, etc., to achieve maximum productivity.
Pros and Cons of the RingConn Gen 2
Pros of the RingConn Gen 2
- World’s thinnest and lightest smart ring
- Sizing kit comes with samples of colors and materials to make it easier to choose the final color for the ring
- An impressive 10-12 day battery life
- Portable charger, which extends battery life to almost 150 days
- No subscription model
- First smart ring with sleep apnea detection
Cons of the RingConn Gen 2
- Doesn’t read data from Apple Health
- Lacks the number of activities it detects
How is RingConn Gen 2 Different from RingConn Gen 1?
- Sleep apnea monitoring, which wasn’t available in Gen 1.
- Gen 2 is 24.8% thinner and 50% lighter than Gen 1.
- The battery life of Gen 2 is extended to 10-12 days, as opposed to 7 days on Gen 1.
- AI-driven health coaching to improve metrics will be introduced later this year.
- The packaging includes samples of the materials of the rings for an easier, hands-on approach to deciding the ring color.
- The charging case now extends the battery life up to 150 days.
- The LED on the charging case now indicates the battery status.
My Final Verdict
The rumored payments feature in the RingConn Gen 2 did not manifest, which led RingConn to miss the opportunity to make a strong impact against its competitors. In spite of this, I think that the new features offer a remarkable upgrade.
The sleep apnea detection, along with a battery life that lasts longer than any other smart ring on the market, make the RingConn Gen 2 a stand-out option for anyone looking for their first smart ring. That being said, I am still bummed about the integration with Apple Health, which is as good as no integration at all.
Here’s hoping the RingConn gets this right in their upcoming updates. Till then, I can’t wait to get my hands on the Gen 2 and experience it in all its glory.
