New York City-based smart jewelry company Ringly, has announced a new line of devices, bracelets, that in addition to notifying the user of calls, texts, and emails, also track activity -- specifically, step count.
The company’s first line of jewelry, smart rings, connect to the wearer's smartphone and alert them about different app notifications by vibrating, but the rings didn’t offer any health-tracking features.
Data from the bracelet is sent to the companion smartphone app, which will show how many steps users are taking each day as well as their calorie output. Users are able to set goals within the app and receive alerts when they reach their goals. The device can store up to two days of step tracking data without needing to sync with the user’s app. Aries bracelets are gold plated with a semi-precious gemstone in the center. The battery in the bracelet lasts between one and two days before it needs recharging via microUSB cable.
The bracelet is available for pre-order for $195. At launch, it will cost $279.
Ringly said the companion app integrates with more than 80 popular apps. Some health and fitness apps that it integrates with include FlyWheel, MindBodyConnect, MyPill, Clue, and ClassPass, the company told MobiHealthNews in an email.
Last year, Ringly raised $5.1 million in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz with participation from High Line Venture Partners, Silas Capital, and PCH. The company’s existing investors include First Round Capital, Mesa+, Social+Capital Partnership, and Brooklyn Bridge Ventures.
At the time, in the "looking ahead" section of the company's frequently asked questions, the company included a question about whether the the device will offer more features later on, and one feature mentioned was sleep tracking.
While Ringly is an example of a company already focused on design getting into health wearables, many existing digital health companies are working the other way. Last year, a number of companies including FItbit, OMSignal, Misfit (now part of Fossil), and Intel partnered with designers to make their products sleeker or just more fashionable.
