Circular Ring 3 Adds FDA-Cleared ECG and Contactless Payments
The new Slim and Pro models integrate clinical-grade cardiac tracking and NFC payments into a minimalist form factor.
Wearable tech company Circular has launched the Ring 3 Slim and Ring 3 Pro, integrating high-end medical monitoring into a compact ring. The new series aims to bridge the gap between minimalist jewelry and feature-heavy smartwatches by introducing contactless payments and advanced cardiac tracking.
Both models now support NFC tap-to-pay for supported Visa and Mastercard cards, allowing users to make purchases without a phone or watch. Additionally, Circular has reintroduced haptic vibration motors across the lineup. These motors are specifically dedicated to silent wake-up alarms, medication reminders, and critical health alerts.
The two models differ primarily in size and capability. The Ring 3 Slim is designed for a lower profile, measuring 5.9mm wide and 2.35mm thick, with a battery life of up to 10 days. The Ring 3 Pro is slightly larger at 6.8mm wide and 2.78mm thick and is constructed from titanium steel. The Pro model offers an extended battery life of up to 12 days and includes an FDA-cleared single-lead ECG for atrial fibrillation (Afib) detection, alongside blood pressure trend tracking.
Shifting the Wearable Balance
This release comes as Circular attempts to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded smart ring market. By integrating FDA-cleared ECG and blood pressure monitoring, Circular targets users who require clinical-grade health data but prefer to avoid the bulk or screen distractions of a wrist-worn device. The return of haptics is a strategic reversal; the company had removed vibration motors in its second-generation ring but has brought them back to improve the utility of health-related prompts.
Industry Implications
The inclusion of these specific health metrics in a ring pushes the boundaries of wearable monitoring. If successful, the Ring 3 Pro could reduce the reliance on smartwatches for users who prioritize health tracking over app notifications. However, the company faces a challenge in consumer trust. Circular's history with Kickstarter and previous transparency issues may create friction during the pre-order phase, even as the hardware capabilities advance.
What to Watch
While the technical specifications are now public, Circular has yet to release official pricing and availability for the Ring 3 series. Observers will be watching to see if the company maintains the pricing structure of previous generations or adjusts it to account for the new medical certifications. It remains to be seen how the Ring 3 Pro's blood pressure trend tracking compares to the accuracy of dedicated cuff-based monitors.