Ultrahuman launches app store for the smart ring

It's not the hardware that's exciting about the new wearables for the finger, but the software. The newly launched Samsung Galaxy Ring can't do much more technically than the smart rings that are already available. Instead, the Koreans are trying to score points with a snore analysis.

Ultrahuman is now going one step further. An entire app store is being launched for the Ring Air, which is also available in our shop. The Indian-English manufacturer hopes to launch thousands of new applications over the next few years.

Not all additional functions are free

PowerPlugs is the name of the platform that will be accessible directly via the Ultrahuman app. If you have a ring, you can choose which applications and tracking you need. This allows them to put together a personalised tracking system.

Ultrahuman is also moving away from the principle of the ring without an additional plan. The basic functions and the already available comprehensive tracking remain free of charge, but the additional applications are only partially free of charge, some of which require a "premium" subscription. However, Ultrahuman promises that all core features will remain free of charge.

PowerPlugs is also open to applications from external developers. However, you must bear in mind that when you use these external apps, you are also releasing health data to third parties. When asked, Ultrahuman CEO Mohit Kumar says that the user information is not passed on. This means that the health information is processed anonymously by the third-party providers. Some of these specialised applications from external developers will then also be linked to a monthly subscription.

The ring warns of atrial fibrillation

Ultrahuman is also announcing its first new functions. According to the manufacturer, the most important is the Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) PowerPlug. This measures the heart rhythm every night and scans for irregularities. The aim is to detect atrial fibrillation. According to Ultrahuman, this is possible for the first time ever with a smart ring. AFib monitoring costs just under five francs per month.

And these are other apps and additional applications that you can select with the update. These are all free of charge.

• Circadian Rhythm: This measures the "internal clock", i.e. the typical sleep-wake rhythm of a person. The more irregular this rhythm is, the more likely it is to cause sleep and health problems.
• Pregnancy Mode: The monitoring and health recommendations are specially adapted for pregnant women. There are also special recommendations for nutrition and the right amount of exercise.
• Cycle Tracking: This function not only tracks the woman's cycle, but can also predict it after a while. The fertile days are also displayed.
• Vitamin D: This app calculates the ideal time to get some sun. This is based on skin type, location and the current UV index.
• Jet Lag: Based on your personal travel plans, this app tells you how you can best adapt when flying to other time zones. So when and how long you should sleep, how you should consume caffeine and when you should go out in the sun.
• Weight Loss: Ultrahuman also has a glucose sensor on sale. Together with the ring, this can help you lose weight. The tracker measures the calories burned and motivates you to exercise more. Together with a food diary and blood glucose measurement, this should make weight loss easier. However, glucose tracking in particular is controversial among experts.
• Ovulation: This application is designed to accurately predict ovulation and fertile days.

The update will be rolled out together with a new firmware for the ring in the next three to four weeks.