As someone who has to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) every year, I have always wondered how a smartwatch can do the same thing as a 12-lead setup. But never mind that, because ECG monitoring is not only possible on smartwatches but now on smart rings, too. Specifically, the new Rogbid VitalRing ECG Smart Ring.
Of course, it doesn’t perform a full 12-lead ECG. Like smartwatches with ECG functionality, it uses two points of contact to capture a single-lead reading. In the VitalRing’s case, you have to touch the ring’s electrodes with a finger from your other hand to complete an electrical circuit across your body. It’s an on-demand process, not something that continuously happens in the background.
And all of that is packed into a rather elegant titanium ring measuring just 8 mm (0.31 inches) wide and weighing approximately 5 g (0.18 oz). Not bad for something that looks like an ordinary piece of jewelry.
Beyond ECG, the VitalRing monitors heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and stress levels. It also tracks sleep patterns, including light, deep, and REM sleep, alongside menstrual health indicators.
For fitness tracking, there’s the usual assortment of steps, distance traveled, and calories burned. Rogbid has also included a Remote Care feature that allows users to share selected wellness information with family members, which could be particularly useful for keeping an eye on elderly loved ones.
Interestingly, the ring can double as a remote camera shutter for your smartphone using gesture controls.
The VitalRing is rated 5ATM for water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and everyday exposure to water. It also comes with a portable charging case packing a 400 mAh battery, so you can top up the ring without hunting for a wall outlet.
Available in Aura Gold, Lunar Silver, and Obsidian Black, the VitalRing comes in six sizes, from 8 to 13.
One important thing to remember is that the ring’s ECG feature is intended for personal health monitoring and should not be treated as a replacement for a clinical 12-lead ECG or professional medical assessment.
The Rogbid VitalRing is available from the official Rogbid store for US$129.99. As part of its Double 11 promotion, Rogbid is also including a Christmas greeting card and a mystery gift box containing either a smartwatch or another smart ring, selected at random.
Images: Rogbid.
