Technology does not stand still, and more and more of them have appeared lately. Few users know what a smart ring is and bypass the shelves in stores with this product. This is done undeservedly, since this gadget greatly simplifies life in situations where it is impossible or inconvenient to use a smartphone or a bank card, a fitness tracker.
This small device is made in the form of a classic ring, differing from it only in a wide base. Such gadgets have a wide scope and can be used as an intercom key, a means of contactless payment, monitoring the user's physical activity, and can perform other functions. Inside the cavity is a digital board that provides the performance of the embedded functions and maintains communication with the smartphone. The device can work in tandem with a phone, as well as perform assigned tasks autonomously.
A clear advantage of the gadget in question, compared with others, is the convenience of wearing.Since ancient times, people have worn rings on their fingers as an element of decoration, and appreciated their ergonomics: a smart ring is difficult to lose, it does not take up much space and does not interfere with the movement of fingers.
Major manufacturers of smart devices are not yet too actively involved in the development and sale of smart rings. This is due to the fact that gadgets of this type still have a number of drawbacks, due to which consumers are in no hurry to buy them:
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Each manufacturer strives to make the product unique, to lay in it special functions. Depending on what the device is intended for, the following types of smart rings are distinguished:
As previously mentioned, inside the product is a capsule in which a chip and “electronic brains” are mounted. With the help of a Bluetooth connection, communication with a smartphone, as well as payment terminals, is carried out. The connection range can reach 100 meters in open areas. The transfer of information is carried out using a special module. Gadgets can work autonomously, but apart from making payments, almost no actions can be performed without the participation of a smartphone.
In order for the device to be controlled without the help of a smartphone, a screen is installed in some of them. However, due to its small size, control using the screen is inconvenient, the information on it is difficult to read, and the device itself becomes much wider than similar mechanisms without a screen.
A novelty in smart rings is the use of gestures. This function is convenient when managing household appliances, a telephone (for example, you can reset a call or turn off the alarm clock with one movement of your hand).With this function, you can turn the lights on and off in the room, flip through the pages of an e-book, rewind movies and presentations, etc.
Since most smart rings work in conjunction with a phone through an application, let's decide what characteristics a smartphone should have in order to best interact with a small “brother”. The best pair for a smart ring would be an Android phone equipped with an NFC module. According to buyers, the smart ring may not work correctly with Chinese-made phones, as well as the Iphone.
Similar to jewelry, smart rings are sized according to the inner circumference of the ring. In most models, sizes range from 7 (54 mm) to 10 (62.8 mm).
Like other electronic devices, rings can be bought in electronics stores, online stores, and banks. The most inexpensive devices can be ordered by mail from AliExpress. It should be noted that no one is responsible for the quality and reliability of the device. Of the advantages of such a purchase, a wide variety of modifications and an inexpensive price can be distinguished.
A good option would be to buy a payment gadget directly from the bank. In this case, the buyer receives several bonuses at once - confidence that the purchased product is not a fake, an official guarantee, the opportunity to save money (some institutions offer gadgets as part of promotions at a reduced price, or even for free). The staff will also help set up the device and tell you how to use it.
It is not recommended to buy a device in an online store without a live preview.There is a chance not only to make a mistake with the size, but also to understand that the purchased product is not convenient, or does not suit the person in other ways.
Since a small number of manufacturers are engaged in the production of such electronics, many buyers face a difficult task - to find out what smart devices are, which company's device is better and where to buy it. In order to make it easier for you to choose, we will review the best gadgets of this type, compiled on the basis of advice and feedback from real buyers. For convenience of choice, we will divide the models into categories: budget, esoteric, payment, premium.
The model in question is the most popular on the AliExpress site. This is due, first of all, to the low cost of the product. On the site you can find a large number of different versions, even without specifying a specific brand. They are united by the following features: the product is made of stainless steel, can be produced in various colors, has a slight water resistance, does not require charging.
The product is available in various sizes - with an internal diameter of 6 to 13 inches. The connection with the phone is made via the NFC function. The device does not have its own application, the manufacturer recommends downloading any universal application designed to work with the NFC module.
The main functions performed by the device are unlocking the screen, quickly launching the application, sending and reading information, and using it as a virtual business card. The average price of a gadget from China is 200 rubles.
The model in question is made of ceramic material, thanks to which it is conveniently located on the finger. It costs a little more than the previous modification, however, according to buyers, there is something to overpay for. The device is available in two versions - 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz. The first modification allows you to perform operations without direct contact with the reading element, the second must be removed from the finger and applied closely.
The device can be used to unlock the smartphone screen, open electronic locks, as a means of payment (according to customer reviews, this function may not work well with some terminals).
Product programming requires a special replicator, which can be ordered with the smart ring. Buyers note the good performance of the device, attractive design and low price (800 rubles).
Another representative of Chinese smart rings. The product is perfect as a gift. This is due not only to its low cost, but also to its attractive appearance, beautiful cardboard packaging, and, according to the manufacturer, esoteric abilities. From the inside, germanium and a volcanic magnet are mounted in the model.The product itself is made of titanium alloy, coated with tungsten and ceramics. The strength of the gadget is ensured by hardening the alloy at high temperatures.
For lovers of esotericism, the composition of "energy" materials will be interesting. As already mentioned, several rocks are mounted inside the disk, one of which is the “energy stone”, which is responsible for the positive impact on human health and biofield. The main objects to which the impact is directed are the circulatory system, as well as metabolic processes. According to the manufacturer, the stones embedded in the smart ring make it possible to purify the surrounding air from harmful contaminants and reduce the negative impact of electromagnetic fields.
A passive RFID board is responsible for communicating with NFC devices. The gadget can be programmed as a key to an electronic lock, intercom, parking entrance. It is possible to use the device as a means of payment, however, this function is triggered every other time due to weak software and a short response range.
Another interesting feature is the creation of an electronic business card. In this case, when you touch the ring to the smartphone of any person, your electronic contact with all the necessary information is transmitted to him. There are three marks inside the disc. Externally, the device is made in a unisex style, so it will suit the user of any gender.
A convenient function will also be the use of the device as a storage device. So, on it you can store passwords from sites and applications, e-mail. The possibilities of rewriting are practically unlimited - up to 1 million times.
Users often use the smart ring also as an unlocker for a smartphone, tablet computer.It is possible to use the device as an element that launches any program (camera, notepad on the phone, etc.).
Buyers note good water permeability, so you can do housework, wash your hands without fear of damaging electronics.
The buyer is offered a choice of three colors - white outside and silver inside, black outside and silver inside, white outside and gold inside. Some sellers can find rare color options - monochrome black or white on all sides. The device does not use a battery, so the buyer should not worry about constantly charging the gadget. This is provided by a special self-charging system - the device absorbs electromagnetic waves, produces electricity from them and uses it for its work. The product is available in 6 sizes, from 54 to 70 mm. The average price is 1,100 rubles.
This ring was created jointly with the Joint-Stock Company Rosselkhozbank. Interaction with the terminal is organized by contactless payment. The goods are sold in the branded online store "Troika".The product is activated upon a personal visit to a bank branch, where specialists offer a choice of three tariff plans for connection: “Individual”, “Personal”, or linking to a personal current account.
Payment instruments are made of ceramic, available in various colors (black, white, gray), can be smooth and perforated. The price for all modifications is the same and is equal to 4,500 rubles. According to the description provided on the website of the manufacturer, it is possible to make rings from metals, including precious ones, according to individual sizes and taking into account other wishes of the client. Despite the fact that this is a Russian-made device, it is not inferior in its characteristics to foreign counterparts. In order not to make mistakes when choosing a size, we recommend choosing a specific model at the manufacturer's office or at a bank office.
The company also offers products with the Troika transport application. This decoration makes it possible to pay for travel in the Moscow metro, as well as in ground transport. The product is offered in three colors - black, white, pink and three sizes (17,19,21). Decoration can be ordered online in the online store, or bought in souvenir shops of the subway.
The popularity of models of this type is due to the ease of replenishing an account (with the help of a metro cashier, through bank terminals, Svyaznoy, Euroset electronics stores, by using the Moscow Metro mobile application).
The manufacturer's website has detailed instructions on how the device works.To pay for the fare, you need to bring the gadget to the payment terminal, and in such a way that the plane of the disk is parallel to the surface of the terminal, and hold your hand for a few seconds, after which the money will be debited automatically. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, you should not wear a payment ring and other metal jewelry on one hand, as this may lead to incorrect operation.
When wearing jewelry, you can not be afraid to get it wet, as it is airtight and has good water resistance. Do not allow the device to come into contact with aggressive powders and liquids, this can lead to breakage. Also, do not leave the product near a source of strong electromagnetic waves. The manufacturer promises a guarantee of 6 months for the product.
Visa is trying to keep abreast of new technologies, in connection with which in 2016 it developed its own product - Visa Payment Ring. Like the previous model, the device is tied to the client's current account, from which funds will be debited. The manufacturer claims that the product will withstand immersion in water to a depth of 50 meters.A feature of the model is the absence of a battery, so the user does not have to think about recharging the device at the most inopportune moment.
An NFC sensor is embedded inside the ring, through which payment is made by analogy with contactless payment cards. The electronics are controlled by the Gemalto chip, which, according to the manufacturer, is fully protected from unauthorized withdrawals of funds.
The company actively promotes its product, for example, at the Olympic competitions in 2016 and the World Cup in Russia, many athletes were provided with such rings for free.
The user is authorized using a special electronic element - a token, which contains a certain set of electronic keys. The product is made of ceramic, processed in a special way to increase resistance to mechanical stress. The choice of the buyer is offered 20 women's and men's rings of various sizes.
This device belongs more to the category of fitness trackers than payment and contact rings. The main idea of the gadget is to track the user's physical activity. Some athletes complain that when wearing fitness bracelets or smart watches, the hand sweats, or the bulky strap clings to clothes, pieces of furniture, unfastens at the most inopportune moment.Also, fitness trackers in the form of bracelets cannot be used when practicing some sports, such as rock climbing.
The product was first presented to the public in 2017. After just one year, the developer released the second modification, which acquired additional features. For correct operation, the manufacturer recommends wearing the smart ring on any finger except the thumb and little finger.
The model in question allows you to track your heart rate and pulse, count the number of steps taken and the distance, the number of calories burned, track the quality of your workouts and monitor sleep.
The product of the American company supports smartphones based on Android and iOS. The gadget is available in two colors - dark gray or rose gold. The monochromatic color is diluted with a strip of LED that lights up when charging or synchronizing with a smartphone. The jewelry is made of titanium, which provides high strength and resistance to damage, including falling from a height. The developer designed it in such a way that a person can wear it all the time. Despite the fact that the filling of the device takes up a lot of space, the manufacturer tried to make the ring as ergonomic as possible, it is slightly wider and thicker than a wedding ring in size.
The package includes a magnetic charger that connects to a computer or power bank. The charging process is carried out using the transmission of magnetic waves, the adapter can be inserted into a special keychain. Since this is a premium brand, the manufacturer thinks about the comfort of the user, and before ordering the product, he sends a batch of fitting rings so that the buyer can choose the most convenient option for himself.
According to user reviews, it is recommended to remove the product before exercising in the gym, since when exposed to hard objects (horizontal bar, barbell), it is scratched, which causes the appearance to suffer. It is also inconvenient to carry heavy bags with a smart ring, as it digs into the skin of the hands and causes a feeling of discomfort. Another disadvantage of using the gadget is that during physical activity the device rotates, while the sensor that monitors the heart rate shifts relative to the required location, due to which the data is read incorrectly, or measurements are not taken at all.
The device can work autonomously, connecting to the application once every few days. This does not require direct contact, you can turn the ring around the axis three times, and synchronization will occur automatically.
The smartphone app is somewhat different from those that control the activity of fitness trackers. So, for example, it is impossible to immediately find out the number of steps taken, since the counting unit includes two components: the number of heartbeats and the amount of physical activity. In order to get acquainted with the distance traveled, you need to go to a separate tab. Despite the fact that this smart ring is produced by one of the best manufacturers of wearable electronics, the branded application does not have much functionality.
According to users, data is read accurately and correctly, the device almost never makes mistakes. However, due to the lack of a GPS function in the device, it is impossible to find out some specific data that athletes need - cadence, running pace, etc.
Since the device performs a large number of tasks, it cannot function without a full battery, like previous models. The smart ring uses a small capacity battery, which, according to the manufacturer, should be enough for three days of use. However, according to customer reviews, with a lot of physical activity and constant monitoring of the state of the body, the battery is discharged in less than 1 day.
A feature of the smart ring, in comparison with standard fitness trackers, is the absence of reminders of physical activity, which the latter “love” so much. This device is more suitable for professional athletes who independently monitor the amount of physical activity and do not need stimulation. The cost of the model is about $200 equivalent.
This ring is completely different in its functionality from all those described above. Its task is to replace the smartphone with exactly the tangent direct functionality of the latter. Need to answer a call, read a message or read a reminder - ORII Smart Ring will help with this without having to take out the main gadget.
To transmit sound, the device uses bone conduction technology, so it is not necessary to bring the device directly to the auditory opening, applying it to the soft part of the ear will be enough.
The device supports Google Assistant and Siri, is equipped with a pair of noise-canceling microphones and an indicator that changes color depending on the type of notification.
Alerts can be configured in the proprietary application.
The functionality of the device assumes the presence of its own battery, the capacity of which is 50 mAh, which is enough for 60 minutes of conversation. In standby mode, the ring will live for almost two days.
The cost of ORII Smart Ring is about 20,000 rubles.
Ordinary people (not athletes), when they hear about smart rings, have a poor idea of what it is and what they are for. This is due to the fact that companies are not too interested in the development of this area, considering it unpromising.
Due to the wide variety of functions that these devices can perform, before going to the store, you need to decide what you want to get from the device. In this article, we examined the features of choosing such gadgets, focusing on what you need to pay attention to when buying. We recommend choosing a smart ring with a mandatory visit to the store, trying it on and trying it on for at least a few minutes in order to understand if it is right for you.
The most budget options will be of interest to young people and people who often encounter electronic locking mechanisms. More expensive options will be a good alternative to payment cards.Athletes will be interested in more expensive models that are almost as functional as well-known fitness trackers, but are much more convenient for daily use and do not interfere with sleep. We hope that our article will help you make the right choice.