Vital Signals, a US health-tech startup founded by former Android and Nextbit executive Tom Moss, has launched the Signal Ring, a wearable designed to offer continuous blood pressure monitoring rather than general fitness tracking. Moss developed the device after being hospitalised with a dangerously high blood pressure reading and being unable to find an accurate, all-day monitoring option, teaming up with engineers from pulse sensor firm Masimo to build it. It matters because it targets a serious health need often overlooked by wellness-focused wearables, and could eventually play a role in preventative care for people with hypertension or other cardiac conditions.

The ring uses largely industry-standard hardware but relies on proprietary algorithms that Vital Signals claims offer more accurate, drift-free readings than rivals such as Samsung's Galaxy Watch, which require regular cuff recalibration. It passively tracks blood pressure throughout the day and allows manual readings alongside lifestyle context such as exercise, food, smoking or caffeine. The company is pursuing regulatory clearance rather than relying on the FDA's recent moves to loosen requirements for optical blood pressure sensors, and says it will not charge a subscription or add AI features, though data can be exported. The Signal Ring is available to pre-order now for $399, comes in US sizes 5 to 13 with a three-day battery life and a four-charge case, and is expected to ship from October at the earliest.