A highly anticipated feature that was previously tested in the beta phase of the Oura Ring is now officially available to all users. This feature, known as Symptom Radar, analyzes critical data collected during your sleep to serve as an early detection system for respiratory illnesses. In short, the Oura Ring can now help you identify when you might be coming down with something.
One of the standout aspects of Symptom Radar is its user-friendly reporting system. Each morning, it presents findings using three clear classifications: no signs, minor signs of a respiratory illness, and significant signs of a respiratory illness. The information is visualized on a graph, allowing you to track your health trends over time and see how symptoms may change.
The app utilizes key health metrics including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiration rates, and body temperature to inform the Symptom Radar. It compares these metrics against the baseline data it has accumulated since you started using the ring, highlighting any deviations. The accompanying graph not only shows which metrics have altered but also allows you to better grasp how your body is responding. This feature is particularly useful, as it invites you to contrast how you feel with the app’s interpretations.
If the app detects minor or serious signs of respiratory issues, it suggests entering Rest Mode. This mode halts activity tracking, allowing your body time to recover while still monitoring your sleep patterns. By remaining in Rest Mode, the app continues to gather data on your condition, making it a superior option compared to simply not wearing the ring while unwell.
The development of the Symptom Radar feature has been in the works for nearly five years. It evolved from tracking changes in body temperature and its relation to fever symptoms into a sophisticated algorithm incorporating a variety of metrics to alert users to potential illness indicators. According to Oura, the smart ring boasts a 99% accuracy rate for temperature tracking compared to lab measurements.
Symptom Radar will be accessible via the Oura app starting December 9 for all users of the third-generation Oura Ring and the latest Oura Ring 4. This marks the first Oura Labs feature to transition from beta testing to standard availability for all users.
