If you’re like me, you might have felt overwhelmed by all the screens in your life. Despite my initial resistance, a growing trend on platforms like Reddit and X showcases a lot of people shifting towards “dumb phones” and minimalist technology stacks. After all, who doesn’t want a bit of freedom from our screens?
My personal journey towards reducing screen time has had its ups and downs. Sure, I try to cut back, but it’s challenging when screens are everywhere. During those long workdays, I find myself glued to a massive monitor for eight hours, while my smartwatch occasionally buzzes with notifications, tugging at my attention.
I went as far as deactivating my social media accounts, not out of disdain, but to dodge the doom-scrolling rabbit hole that can easily consume hours of my day. So when I stumbled upon an ad for a new smart ring featuring a tiny display, I was both intrigued and nervous. Yet, against my initial skepticism, I ordered one, and surprisingly, I don’t hate it.
What Can It Do?
This device, the Pebble Halo, retails for about $100 (approximately 93 EUR) and is available for pre-order in India. A quick glance at AliExpress reveals that similar rings could be found for as low as $40 (about 37 EUR). It’s definitely worth questioning if established brands like Samsung and Oura are charging inflated prices for their products.
Pebble, a company partnered with heavyweights like Amazon, Meta, and Intel, has a diverse portfolio that includes smartwatches, earbuds, and smart home devices. So, is this ring worth considering? Not entirely a flop, it features a durable stainless steel design and claims water resistance. With capabilities to measure heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and even monitor sleep and stress levels, it stands out among wearables.
In my tests, the accuracy of heart rate and SpO2 readings fell within a 1-2% margin compared to the Apple Watch. Meanwhile, step counting precision also averaged around a 5-8% variation over a series of days.
While I wouldn’t suggest relying on this smart ring for advanced fitness tracking, the basics seem reliable. However, its stress detection system seemed to constantly think I was anxious, even during moments of relaxation like reading comics or cruising with music.
Display Features
Upon receiving the Pebble Halo, my skepticism about its small display was apparent. You can customize the LED screen via its companion app, although the options are limited. At maximum, you can view the time, step count, heart rate, and stress levels. For other metrics, you’ll have to check the app, which somewhat undermines the ring’s purpose.
The display isn’t touch-sensitive, but it does feature a button area where you can slide your thumb to see different metrics. I opted to display only the step count, heart rate, and time to minimize frustration from excessive navigation.
Those metrics truly capture my attention right now, allowing me to quickly glance without annoyance. Plus, when it comes to sleep tracking, a ring is far more comfortable than wearing a chunky smartwatch.
One of my main concerns was having “yet another screen” to manage. Luckily, this ring only activates its display upon touch and doesn’t light up mistakenly, making it more convenient. When worn on the suggested index finger, the activation area rests safely away from accidental bumps.
Moreover, the lack of an always-on display prevents the battery from draining in mere hours. It makes sense to keep it simple, only showing vital health data when needed.
However, it does have flaws. For instance, checking your heart rate requires some patience, as the reading doesn’t appear instantaneously. Additionally, the stress measurement seems lackluster, similar to other wearables I’ve tried.
A Smart Concept
Looking back, I’d choose a smart ring over a smartwatch, assuming I don’t need advanced metrics like GPS or music functionality. A display ring offers a more discreet way to keep tabs on your health.
One fun feature is gesture control. The Pebble ring allows scrolling through e-books or switching videos with finger gestures. If Android could implement universal controls for these actions, the possibilities would be vast. The companion app even includes simple games using these gestures, creating a unique user experience.
Ultimately, I’m open to the idea of display-capable smart rings as long as they keep battery consumption in check. With accurate sensors and thoughtful functionalities, I can envision many users preferring smart rings over traditional smartwatches.
What do smart rings do?
Smart rings typically track health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and fitness activity, presenting data conveniently on a small display.
How accurate are smart rings?
Smart rings can vary in accuracy, but many, including the Pebble Halo, show results within a 1-2% margin compared to conventional wearables like the Apple Watch.
Can a smart ring replace a smartwatch?
While it may not compete with advanced smartwatch features such as GPS or music control, a smart ring can effectively monitor basic health metrics and offer a more subtle option.
Where can I find the Pebble Halo?
The Pebble Halo is available for pre-order online, mainly in regions like India, with a price point of around $100 (approximately 93 EUR).
In conclusion, if you’re curious about wearable technology without the screen overload, the Pebble Halo might just pique your interest. Explore more about optimizing your tech life at Moyens I/O.