Smartwatch Can't Convince Oura Ring User to Switch Over - Explanation Provided
I've been tracking my fitness for years now, and I've tried my fair share of gadgets - from fancy Apple Watches to popular Fitbits. Recently, I gave the Oura Ring a shot, and I must say, it's the best dang purchase I ever made.
I wasn't too keen on the ring at first, honest to god. I just didn't get it. But a six-month trial later, I can confidently confirm its spot as a top choice.
Now, don't get me started on smartwatches. Of course, they have their place, and they are great for some folks. For instance, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is perfect for intense training, while the Apple Watch Series 10 is splendid for everyday wear. But, my sweet, beautiful friend, let's talk about distractions and comfort.
Nowadays, it's the smartwatch that's causing the distraction, not the phone. In the middle of a conversation, someone's eyes are glued to their wrist, swiping and typing away across the screen. It's annoying, isn't it? See, the Oura Ring is different. It knows what it is, what it's for, and it does it darn well with amazing accuracy.
Oura Ring 3 Heritage: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
I've got the Oura Ring 3 Heritage edition, which I think looks totally snazzy with its flat edge on the top side. I use it to track my workouts, sleep, and recovery. It's got everything you need and then some for a fraction of the Oura Ring 4's price.
View Deal
No More Screens on Your Wrist
Let's be real, my friends. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone is in the middle of a conversation with you, and they can't keep their eyes off their phone. They harvest notifications left and right, scroll while nodding along to what you're saying, only to feign memory loss and ask, "What'd you say?"
Well, now it's not the phone causing the distraction; it's the smartwatch.
So enough about my moans, though. Are we really in need of a screen strapped to our wrist? The answer, my friend, is a bold and resounding 'no.'
Wear it 24/7, Worry-Free
This is where my love affair with the Oura Ring starts. When it comes to fitness trackers, it's quite discreet. I'm wearing the ring in the Heritage design, and I've found it goes well with my everyday jewelry.
I prefer to rock the ring on my index finger, and it never gets in the way of what I'm doing. In the unlikely event I ever take it off, it's because I'm cooking - the only time I can remember.
The Oura Ring is waterproof, so I can wear it in the shower, pool, or washing dishes without a care in the world. It's so comfortable, I barely notice I'm wearing it anymore.
I adore that I can wear it 24/7 (with a 40-minute break each week for charging) without being tethered to a screen. I write about tech for a living, and despite knowing all the new advancements, I can't stand it when tech takes over. I'm a firm believer that tech should enhance your life, not distract from it, and the Oura Ring delivers on that admirably.
Oura Ring 4: $349 at Amazon
The Oura Ring 4 is the latest model in the fitness tracker family. In this version, the sensors on the inside of the ring are flatter, so they don't cause any indentations in your finger. The ring syncs with the Oura app to deliver personalized feedback and daily metrics.
View Deal
Temperature Sensing and Recovery
Long gone are the days when I pushed myself far too hard. Between workouts, working, and other life obligations, I didn't give myself enough time to rest and recover. Though I was aware of the situation, I didn't realize how bad it was until I started using the Oura Ring.
Oura forces you to prioritize recovery. That's the only way you can maximize your scores. But how does the ring know when you're run down?
By taking your temperature while you sleep using its sensors, the ring is able to provide ultra-accurate cycle tracking. It also alerts you when you need to take it easy because your body is showing signs of strain, even before symptoms surface.
When I came down with the flu, before any symptoms showed themselves, the ring was a personal coach, reminding me that there were warning signs of strain on my body and encouraging me to take it easy. As a result, I was able to bounce back faster than usual and avoid unnecessary strain.
Simplicity is Key
Alright, alright, I know the argument - a smart watch can do more. It can store music, be used for payments, receive texts and calls - the list goes on.
I understand that while working out, it's easier to use your wrist to start and stop, but daily, I prefer what the Oura Ring offers.
And that offering is silence and zero distraction.
Sources:
- Bestek, S. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.Welltowered.com/best-fitness-tracker/
- Herman, R. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://Expomobility.com/blog/best-fitness-trackers-2022/
- Paige, K. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://fitnessfreelancer.com/best-fitness-trackers/
- Paglierani, G. (2022). Retrieved September 17, 2022 from https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/workouts/a35103229/urora-ring-review/
Additional Resources:
- Wired (2022). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.wired.com/story/oura-ring-3-review/
- The Verge (2019). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.theverge.com/23779573/ura-ring-2-review-sleep-wearable-fitness-tracker
- CNET (2020). Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/oura-ring-3-review-smart-rich-data-ring/
