THE WEARABLE TECH industry is rapidly evolving. So much so that it’s hard to keep up. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming more advanced every day, and have traditionally dominated the market, but they do come with their shortcomings. Namely, the things are usually so damn bulky that it feels like you’re carrying an ankle monitor on your wrist – and they’re only getting bigger.
The first wave of smart watches proved popular, but the Apple watches and Galaxy watches soon gave way to the bigger, Ultra watches – which are not what someone who already thought they were too big wants to hear. Add to this conundrum the fact that smart watches often require daily charging and can’t actually be worn during all physical activities (have you ever tried slipping a boxing glove over one?) and you’ll begin to see the appeal of a far more compact smart device like the Ryze Element Ring.
The Ryze Element Ring promises it can do just about anything a smart watch can do, but can such a small device deliver on these lofty ambitions? We’ve been thoroughly testing it to find out. These are our thoughts.
The look
Design is often the first impression a wearable makes, and the Ryze Element Ring certainly doesn’t disappoint. Made from a combination of nano-ceramic and stainless steel, it looks and feels both modern and durable. The choice of materials also ensures the ring is lightweight, yet robust enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Its minimalist design makes it easy to accessorise with both casual and formal outfits. Really, to the untrained observer, it doesn’t look any different than a regular ring.
The specs
Under its sleek exterior, the Ryze Element Ring boasts an array of features. A key highlight is its smart touch sensor technology, which elevates the user experience beyond simple health tracking. This allows users to control their devices with subtle gestures – a simple tap can skip songs, answer calls, or even snap a photo. It’s a feature that sets the ring apart from its competitors, upgrading it to a functional extension of your smartphone, rather than just a health tracker.
The ring tracks a wide variety of health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body temperature and sleep patterns. This range of features rivals those of high-end smartwatches, packing everything you need into a much smaller device. The companion app for iOS and Android provides a detailed breakdown of these metrics, with deeper insights into overall health.
Battery life is another standout feature. The ring lasts up to six days on a single charge – far superior to that of the average smartwatch, but also better than other smart rings. The charging case can provide up to 40 additional charges without needing a recharge itself, meaning you can take it on extended trips without needing to ever worry about battery.
During workouts the ring will record distance, duration and calories burned, plus all the other key biometrics like heart rate and temperature. Post-workout, the app will tell you your readiness for future activities and provide recovery reports. What’s more, the ring’s water resistance – up to 5 ATM – means it can handle swimming, rain and sweat without issue, so you never need to worry about a malfunction.
The test
To put the Ryze Element Ring to the test, I incorporated it into my daily life over the course of a week. From workouts to social gatherings, the ring accompanied me so I could evaluate its functionality and ease of use.
The smart touch sensor was the first feature to stand out. During a run, I found it far more convenient to skip tracks on my playlist with a simple tap, rather than fumbling with my phone. Later, at a dinner party, I tested the sensor’s photo-taking ability and found similar success.
Health tracking was another area where the Ryze Element Ring shone. The heart rate monitor provided readings to the standard of a high-end smartwatch, with real-time insights during workouts – which were invaluable as I ease myself back into exercise after a recent operation. Sleep tracking was thoroughly accurate, with the ring delivering an overview of my sleep patterns, duration and quality.
The battery life lived up to its lofty claims, comfortably lasting six days before needing a recharge. Water resistance also held up, and mind you, this test took place during January, the period where I spend more time at the beach than any other month. Regardless of the heightened workload, the ring continued to track my metrics like nothing had changed.
The verdict
The Ryze Element Ring delivers an impressive suite of features in a form that feels almost invisible. Its standout smart touch sensor redefines what a smart ring can do, making it more than just a health tracker, but a wearable companion that can integrate fairly seamlessly into your daily life.
The ring is an appealing alternative to a smartwatch. After all, if it packs the same punch, why bother with the bigger (and pricier) frame? The health tracking is reliable, the battery life is excellent and the design is versatile enough to blend into any outfit. And at its price point of $349.95, it won’t break the bank.
The Ryze Element Ring is available at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and online at ryzeabove.com.au
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