Exploring the Impact of Wearable Tech on Healthcare: From Smart Rings to Fitness Trackers

The Oura Ring is a popular choice among fitness trackers for those in the acting industry due to its efficiency, sleek design, and the convenience of being worn as a ring. This sensor-loaded titanium ring originated in Finland and has gained a loyal following for its compact size, aesthetic appeal, and user-friendly bio-tracking capabilities. The popularity of Oura Ring has even motivated tech giants such as Apple and Samsung to develop their own versions of smart rings.

Image source Vogue India

India is considered the world's largest smartwatch market according to data from market research firm Counterpoint in 2022, the idea of tracking one's health statistics has gained widespread traction. This has led to the emergence of numerous startups, including Noise, Ultrahuman, and Pi Ring, which offer affordable smart rings like the one offered by BoAt within 24 hours of its launch in August 2023.

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The new generation of wearable devices focuses on ensuring the continuous gathering of data. The sensors are concealed inside smart rings made of titanium and are capable of monitoring heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, relaying the collected data to accompanying apps without frightening users with unnecessary notifications and alerts.

Moreover, Continuous glucose monitors, including Ultrahuman, amiciCare, and Contour Plus, allow individuals to track their blood sugar levels over extended periods through a tiny sensor implanted under the skin. This advancement is particularly beneficial for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, an increasingly prevalent condition among young adults in India.

Aman Gupta, the co-founder of BoAt, predicts that the concept of the quantified self, which emphasizes a quantitative approach to understanding one’s body and wellness, will continue to gain momentum in the 21st century. As people become more conscientious about their well-being, there is a natural inclination to seek out tools and technologies that can track and enhance their health metrics.

These advancements underscore the prevalence of a self-tracking culture, with individuals utilizing devices like the Apple Watch, which is FDA-approved, to monitor various aspects of their well-being. For example, Aditi Chauhan, the goalkeeper of the Indian national football team, relies on the Apple Watch to track not only her physical activity but also her resting heart rate and sleep patterns, using the insights gained to make informed decisions about her health and fitness.

Furthermore, Coutinho highlights the need for scepticism regarding the accuracy and certification of most wearable devices in the Indian market. He encourages individuals to rely on their instincts, live in harmony with nature, and stay attuned to their bodies when using wearable technology for wellness purposes. According to Coutinho, the future of wellness wearable technology looks promising as long as it is acquired with genuine intent and a focus on improving one's well-being rather than simply for the sake of trendiness.