Home / Technology / Your Finger Now Holds Your Wallet
Your Finger Now Holds Your Wallet
2 Sep
Summary
- New rings add contactless payments to health tracking.
- Haptic vibrations provide alerts without a screen.
- Pro model features ECG and blood pressure tracking.
Circular has launched its latest smart rings, the Circular Ring 3 Pro and Circular Ring 3 Slim, at IFA in Berlin, expanding the capabilities of screen-free wearables. These new models integrate NFC contactless payments, a feature previously unavailable in the category, alongside advanced health tracking and the return of haptic vibration alerts for discreet notifications and reminders.
The Ring 3 series aims to bridge the gap between minimalist rings and feature-rich smartwatches. While competitors like Oura and Google focus on comprehensive health insights, Circular is prioritizing added functionality on the finger. The Pro model distinguishes itself with an FDA-cleared ECG feature and blood pressure trend tracking, while both rings offer estimates for glucose trends and advanced sleep metrics, positioning them as versatile health companions.
Hardware differences exist between the two models: the Ring 3 Pro features a titanium build and offers up to 12 days of battery life, whereas the Ring 3 Slim is constructed from biocompatible resin with a titanium coating and provides up to 10 days of power. Circular's platform, known for its subscription-free access to core metrics and an AI health companion, remains a key selling point, though some advanced medical features might eventually incur charges.
Pricing and exact release dates for the Circular Ring 3 lineup have not yet been announced, with further details expected in the coming months. This new offering enters a competitive market, challenging established players by adding payment capabilities and advanced health monitoring to a discreet form factor.
