Oura adds Cardio Effort and automatic VO2 Max estimates to its smart ring
Oura adds Cardio Effort and automatic VO2 Max estimates to its smart ring, Engadget reports.
Cardio Effort assesses how much strain a wearer has put on the body during activity. It offers five ranges—light, fair, maintaining, building and reaching—that compare the week's activities with the individual's baseline. Oura said the feature is based on the Training Impulse method and is designed to monitor long-term trends in cardiovascular activity.
The second feature automatically estimates VO2 Max. It was previously called Cardio Capacity in the Oura Labs tool, where it was not automatic and required a six-minute walking test before it could be enabled. The revised VO2 Max makes passive estimates from regular GPS-enabled workouts, so the test is no longer needed. Oura said VO2 Max stats will be available in Oura Labs for the third-generation Oura Ring and later models.
The additions broaden Oura's set of holistic health data. Apple Watch and Fitbit have tracked similar cardio metrics for some time. Engadget reported that the change could make Oura a viable option for people who prefer a ring to a watch or bracelet.