Smart ring technology has seen remarkable advancements recently, with companies pushing the boundaries of what these tiny wearables can achieve. At CES 2025, companies like Circular and Ultrahuman showcased innovative smart rings featuring atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection and premium materials. Now, Viv Health, a South Korean digital health startup, is entering the arena with its Viv Ring, boasting a unique approach to sleep improvement.
Viv Ring and companion mobile app.
The Viv Ring offers the standard features expected from a modern smart ring, including heart rate tracking, heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, stress level measurement, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) tracking, activity tracking, and sleep analysis. But what sets it apart is its personalized, AI-generated sleep sounds, a feature Viv Health calls “generative sleep aid sound technology.”
Personalized Soundscapes for Better Sleep
The Viv Ring leverages AI algorithms to create custom soundscapes inspired by natural elements like ocean forests, birdsong, ocean waves, deep sea ambiences, and rainfall. Instead of simply playing pre-recorded audio, Viv blends these sounds with monaural and binaural beats to purportedly enhance sleep quality.
Side view of the Viv Ring.
Viv Health asserts that its technology analyzes a comprehensive set of biometric data, “constructing AI algorithm-driven personalized sleep audio that significantly improves sleep quality.” This claim is novel, as most scientific research on sleep sounds has focused on white/pink noise and multi-audio stimulation, with varying and often inconclusive results. Some studies suggest a positive correlation between these sounds and sleep quality, while others remain skeptical. Viv’s use of generative AI to create personalized soundscapes represents a new frontier in sleep technology.
Future Developments and Availability
Viv Health has ambitious plans for the future. A “Pro” version of the Viv Ring is planned for release later in 2025, incorporating continuous blood pressure monitoring and AFib detection. Continuous blood pressure monitoring is becoming increasingly prevalent in wearable technology, with companies like Novosound developing ultrasound-based sensors for smartwatches and rings. Samsung has also integrated blood pressure estimation into its smartwatches using PPG sensors.
Viv Health is currently pursuing regulatory certifications and aims to launch the Viv Ring next month. While the efficacy of personalized, AI-generated sleep sounds remains to be seen, the Viv Ring represents an exciting development in the rapidly evolving world of smart ring technology.
