Oura adds cardio effort tracking and passive VO2 Max estimates to its rings

Oura is adding Cardio Effort and automatic VO2 Max estimates to its smart rings, giving users more ways to track cardiovascular fitness. The updates broaden the ring’s health features and may appeal to people who prefer a ring to a watch or bracelet.

Cardio Effort compares activity strain with a wearer’s personal baseline, using five levels from light to reaching to show weekly trends. VO2 Max estimates will be drawn passively from regular GPS-enabled workouts, replacing the previous six-minute walking test; the feature will be available through Oura Labs on the third-generation ring and newer models.