**The Circular Ring 2: A Revolutionary Step for Smart Rings with a Health-Focused Perspective**
The realm of wearable technology is constantly advancing, and at CES 2025, Circular introduced its latest breakthrough: the **Circular Ring 2**. This next-gen smart ring marks a notable shift from its predecessor, the Circular Ring Slim, emphasizing health tracking alongside a modern, rounded aesthetic. Yet, this progression has its trade-offs, as Circular has opted to eliminate one of its hallmark features—haptic feedback. Let’s explore what distinguishes the Circular Ring 2 in the smart ring arena and what users can anticipate from this innovative device.
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### **What’s Fresh with the Circular Ring 2?**
The Circular Ring 2 is a daring improvement for the brand, unveiling a variety of new features and design adjustments designed to enhance user engagement and utility. Here’s a brief synopsis of what’s new:
1. **FDA-Approved ECG for AFib Detection**
The headline feature of the Circular Ring 2 is its **FDA-approved electrocardiogram (ECG)**, enabling users to identify atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other arrhythmias. This positions it among the few smart rings available with sophisticated heart health monitoring functions. At its launch, the ECG will facilitate active AFib detection, requiring users to place their finger on the ring for 30 seconds. Circular aims to broaden this capability in 2025 through over-the-air (OTA) updates, potentially offering passive monitoring for irregular heart rhythms during sleep.
2. **Refined Design and Materials**
The Ring 2 has been reimagined with **softened edges**, responding to user feedback regarding the discomfort caused by the flat-edged Circular Slim. The new ring is made from **titanium** with a hypoallergenic resin interior, providing both resilience and comfort. It is also available in four color options, including Gold and Rose Gold, appealing to a wider array of style preferences.
3. **Extended Battery Life**
The Circular Ring 2 features a larger battery, allowing for up to **8 days of battery life** in eco mode or 4 days in performance mode. This represents a significant enhancement over the Slim, which lasted only 2-4 days based on usage.
4. **Women’s Health Monitoring**
For the first time, Circular has incorporated **women’s health monitoring**, including ovulation tracking, making the Ring 2 a more comprehensive health device.
5. **Digital Finger Sizing Tool**
One of the most innovative features is a **digital sizing tool** that utilizes your smartphone camera to determine your finger size. By using a credit card for reference, the Circular app can ascertain your ring size, removing the necessity for a physical sizing kit.
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### **The Trade-Off: Absence of Haptic Feedback**
While the Circular Ring 2 debuts a number of thrilling features, it also has a significant drawback: **haptic feedback**. This functionality, which enabled earlier Circular rings to vibrate for notifications, alarms, and relaxation prompts, had to be eliminated to allow for the ECG and maintain waterproofing and battery life. As stated by Circular CEO Amaury Kosman, this was an essential trade-off to emphasize health-centric features. Nevertheless, Kosman has suggested that a forthcoming version of the Ring 2 might reinstate haptic feedback, although no timeline has been announced.
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### **A Commitment to Heart Health**
The Circular Ring 2’s focus on heart health distinguishes it from many rivals within the smart ring sector. While other manufacturers like Ultrahuman have implemented AFib detection through PPG (photoplethysmography) sensors, Circular’s adoption of an FDA-approved ECG offers an elevated degree of accuracy and dependability. Additionally, the Ring 2 strives to expand its heart health functionalities in the future, with potential additions like blood pressure monitoring on the horizon.
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### **Other Remarkable Features**
Beyond its health-oriented enhancements, the Circular Ring 2 encompasses several additional upgrades:
– **Wireless Charging Dock**: A new charging dock enhances the convenience of recharging the ring.
– **Kira AI Upgrade**: Circular’s Kira AI, which analyzes wellness data, has undergone a significant upgrade for better insights and recommendations.
– **Durability and Comfort**: Transitioning to titanium and hypoallergenic resin ensures the ring is both lightweight and comfortable for prolonged wear.
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### **Pricing and Launch Details**
The Circular Ring 2 will debut through a crowdfunding campaign in January 2025, with general availability anticipated in February or March. The starting price is established at **$349**, categorizing it as a premium choice in the smart ring market. Considering its advanced features, this price point appears justifiable, especially for users in search of a health-focused wearable.
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### **The Evolution of Smart Rings**
The Circular Ring 2 signifies a major advancement for the smart ring industry, merging cutting-edge health monitoring with a chic and comfortable design.
