After a series of delays and setbacks, Movano has finally announced a launch date for its Oura Ring rival Evie smart ring.
The women’s health wearable monitors heart rate, heart rate variability, and SpO2 level (or blood oxygen levels) to get a basic insight into your overall health. Like larger wearables and smartwatches, this sleekly designed device also tracks sleep quality and can track your menstrual cycle through its companion app.
Additionally, Movano says Evie can also keep a log of activity minutes, calories burned, and metabolic calories, all wrapped up in a tasteful piece of jewelry. But why do women need a special wearable? To help explain this, the company recently released a white paper about the apparent benefits of wearables that take into account ‘the nuances of sex and gender’ when interpreting biometric markers.
According to a press release From November 20, you can place an order for the Evie Ring exclusively through its own company. website for a retail price of $269 (about £220 / AU$420) and, refreshingly, no subscription fees. The ring is available in sizes 5-12 and you can also choose to receive a free sizing kit with purchase.
Although initially announced in late 2022, the launch of the Eve Ring has been postponed multiple times as Movano sought full FDA approval to market the device as a medical product (which it has not yet received). According to Wareablethis meant that heart rate and Sp02 measurements had to be calibrated to meet strict regulatory guidelines.
One ring to rule them all?
The Movano Evie’s main rival is the Oura ring, which offers accurate readings of more than 20 biometrics in a fashionable design that can be specified in a number of sizes and finishes. It currently tops our guide to the best smart rings.
But the Oura isn’t marketed specifically to women, with designs and color combinations aimed at all kinds of users, and this is where the Movano Evie Ring differs. It’s not yet clear exactly how the Evie will tailor its analysis of health-related biometrics for women, but this should become clearer as the device nears sale.
What about Movano’s efforts to get the Evie approved as a medical device by the FDA in the US? At this point, Movano is only saying that it is “working closely with the FDA to navigate the regulatory process for medical device approval” after making its initial filing earlier this year.
But if the device manages to achieve this feat, it would certainly be a boost to the perceived accuracy of the heart rate and SpO2 metrics. And Movano says it has no impact on Evie’s prices, citing a blog post that “the Evie Ring will be available for purchase for $269 at no additional cost or subscription fee, regardless of the FDA’s decision.”
The Evie ring works with an in-depth smartphone app (above) that looks at everything from heart health to detailing a clear menstrual cycle calendar with symptom and mood tracking, as well as period and ovulation estimates.
It looks like a nice solution that eliminates the need to carry bulky gym equipment or smartwatches – we’re looking forward to trying it out soon.