Ultrahuman has launched PowerPlugs, a new app-based service within the smart ring maker’s app.
PowerPlugs allow users to opt-in to features and add them to the Ultrahuman app experience.
Some PowerPlugs will be paid and some will be free, but launch examples include mini-apps for information on circadian rhythm, pregnancy mode, vitamin D, weight loss, jet lag, and more.
As part of the new service, it is launching atrial fibrillation detection, which will analyze users’ heart rhythms while they sleep to look for signs of an irregular heartbeat.
This feature has become common on wearable devices through ECG functions. Like Apple and Fitbit, Ultrahuman claims to be able to detect atrial fibrillation from the PPG sensor.
The company is also opening its APIs to developers to create their own PowerPlugs.
Developers can access Ring AIR’s raw PPG, accelerometer, and temperature sensor data streams. They can build custom algorithms from these data streams using UltraSignal, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR’s development platform.
Ultrahuman has been busy releasing new features for its Ring AIR over the past year, and allowing third parties to create experiences could enrich its platform.
This is a different strategy than Oura, whose integrations library simply allows users to push data within applications rather than developing within the ecosystem.
Indie brands haven’t had much luck attracting developers to the platforms. Samsung effectively abandoned Tizen, and Huawei has had to develop its own apps and services. So we’re not expecting Ultrahuman to be full of big-name third-party apps, but it’s a good start.