Bond Ring: A smart ring that supposedly never needs charging
Smart rings are one of the newer trends in the wearables sector. More and more new models are being introduced, claiming to offer special features. The Aivela Ring Pro Smart, recently unveiled on Kickstarter, is one such example. In general, smart rings are supposed to record health data similar to smartwatches and so contribute to the improvement of lifestyle activities such as exercise and sleep.
Another smart ring, the Bond Ring, advertises a particularly impressive array of new features and innovations. It was introduced several months ago by newly founded Detroit-based company Wilder Tech Inc. and pre-orders are set to begin shipping in November. It should be noted right away that the ring is very unlikely to function wholly as advertised.
This applies in particular to the supposed claim that the ring is powered entirely by energy generated from body heat. This means that the wearable, in theory, would never need to be charged and could be worn around the clock. This would undoubtedly be practical, as other smart rings usually need to be charged for around an hour every 4 to 10 days. However, it is highly questionable whether a smart ring can generate enough energy from body heat on such a small surface area in order to power itself. This is also because no other company has taken up this concept to date.
The large number of sensors supposedly integrated into the ring also raises concerns. The company claims that Bond Ring can record ECGs and measure blood pressure trends, body temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate variability (HRV) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max). It also purportedly measures body composition, i.e., body fat, muscle, skeletal mass and water rentention. Those are just the internal sensors, as the small ring is also said to have sensors for UV exposure, ambient temperature, ambient light intensity and noise level.
At this point, the marketing material makes it seem as though the smart ring houses every single feature possible. In addition to body heat-generated energy and the multitude of sensors, the ring is naturally water and dust resistant according to IP6X and offers interchangeable side panels for design customization. Not to mention the integrated AI functions ("Powered by ChatGPT o3 PRO") and a security chip that allegedly makes the smart ring the "world's most secure" wearable.
In sum, it is very unlikely the ring will function as advertised. Not even at the hefty price of $1,500 and certainly not starting in November of this year. It's much more likely that the company has bitten off more than it can chew or is making fraudulent claims about the device. Pre-ordering the ring on the company's website is therefore not recommended. Those currently looking for a smart ring are advised to take a look at established models such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring or the Oura Ring 4.
