Medical Device Network

Ultrahuman adds AFib detection feature to Ring AIR smart ring

In addition to an atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection feature, the company also launched a PowerPlug Appstore for accessing Ring AIR plugins.

UK wearable device company Ultrahuman has launched an atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection feature to its Ring AIR smart ring.

Concurrently, the company debuted PowerPlugs, a platform for individual apps and plugins to customise health tracking through Ring AIR. The PlowerPlugs apps and plugin options include AFib detection, circadian rhythm, pregnancy mode, menstrual cycle and ovulation tracking, caffeine consumption, Vitamin D intake management, jet lag plans, and weight loss management.

“When it comes to health, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we built PowerPlugs for people to pick and choose what matters most for their health and wellness,” said Ultahuman’s CEO Mohit Kumar.

“Over the next few years, you could expect thousands of applications to be built on top of Ultrahuman’s comprehensive health data platform.”

As part of the AFib detection, the device monitors an individual’s heart rhythm nightly. AFib is an abnormal and irregular heart rhythm, which is associated with an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart failure. The detection feature is powered by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared FibriCheck technology.

The wearable technology market has grown in recent years, with Covid-19 propelling market growth. GlobalData estimates the wearable technology market to grow to $156bn by 2024.

Multiple companies have developed ring wearables for health tracking. One of the most prominent players in the field is Finnish company Oura. In November 2023, the company partnered with period tracking and reproductive health app Clue to integrate the biometric data collected by the Oura Ring into the Clue app. The Oura ring tracks temperature, and the Clue app then uses this data to assess an individual’s fertility.

Another company offering a wearable smart ring is India-based Bontara. The device tracks various health parameters, including heart rate, blood oxygen and sleep quality. It also syncs with continuous glucose monitors to generate a metabolic score to better manage diabetes.