M1: Waterproof smart ring costs just $39 and can supposedly monitor a number of vitals and activities

Smart rings are yet to reach the mass market. Nevertheless, they are now available from many different manufacturers and no longer from just a few companies. However, the term manufacturer is somewhat flexible: in fact, the number of actual OEMs is probably quite small, hence the corresponding products are marketed under different names by different companies. Therefore, they are not in-house developments.

A smart ring is now available from Geekbuying at a very affordable price. The wearable, called M1, is offered in various ring sizes, costs just over $38 and is shipped free of charge from China to the US within a maximum of 45 days. Customers should inform themselves about import taxes.

The manufacturer advertises an extensive range of functions. We can only advise a great deal of skepticism in this regard, as wearables, especially from the Far East, do not always deliver what they promise. According to the manufacturer, continuous heart rate measurement is supported. The measurement of blood oxygen saturation is also advertised - the precise measurement of oxygen saturation is more complex than heart rate measurement. Intensity is also measured during sporting activities, and post activity evaluation is apparently possible via a special app. A pedometer is integrated.

Usage of the ring whilst swimming is supposedly also possible thanks to its water resistance up to a test pressure of 5 ATM. A battery life of three to five days is specified and the ring itself weighs 3.5 grams.