Pulse Mindfulness, which counts former Oura COO and founding employee among its team, has launched the Pulse Ring “digital detox” smart ring via Kickstarter campaign. Unlike other wearables that focus on capturing as much data as possible, this smart ring is designed to provide a sanctuary from digital noise. It tracks well-being, but without data tracking or notifications.
But Pulse Mindfulness, founded in 2023, aims to pioneer a new category of wearables that prioritizes mental well-being over data collection. The company is effectively taking things old school with a modern twist. This means you get vibrations to notify you of certain details, but it’s all about being in the moment: no data is collected.
CTO Tommy Pyykönen, former COO and founding employee at Oura, brings his expertise in the smart ring space to this new product. The ring was also developed in collaboration with Haltian, the engineering powerhouse behind the Oura Ring Gen 2.
The idea is that the Pulse Ring is dedicated exclusively to mindfulness and meditation. Available in titanium and gold, it has multiple modes and customizable features that create vibrations and pulsations at key frequencies and precise moments throughout the day to provide you with personalized mindfulness benefits.
The vibrations include frequencies mimicking a purring cat, also known as the healing frequency, scientifically proven to reduce stress and promote well-being. The vibrations have been designed by experts to systematically remind you to be mindful and present and to take pauses throughout the day. The gentle, patent-pending vibrations are designed to keep you focused on the present moment without capturing user data.
“We’re not just lost in our phones anymore; we’re lost in our thoughts,” says John Matton, Founder and CEO of Pulse Mindfulness. “Pulse is our secret companion against the mind’s constant chatter, a gentle reminder to return to the now. It’s not about tracking your life; it’s about living it.”
In Mindfulness Mode, you’ll get random, soothing vibrations throughout the day to gently remind you to stay present and centred in the moment. Use Focus Mode to get timed vibrations, set at intervals of 10, 20, or 30 seconds, to help you concentrate and cultivate positive habits. This mode, says Pulse, is ideal for breaking old patterns and forming new, productive routines.
There’s also Meditation Mode whereby you can engage in audio-free meditation sessions with the Pulse Ring’s gentle, rhythmic pulsations, guiding you through your chosen duration for a serene and uninterrupted practice.
It’s a bold statement to release a product like this when the industry is moving towards devices that can gather tons of data and provide actionable insights. Smart rings, smartwatches, and other health wearables are most valuable for their ability to capture metrics like 24/7 heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, stress, activity, and more. They then analyze this data to provide you with useful insights to help improve your health and wellbeing. This is a goal the wearables industry has been working towards, and packing all this functionality into a ring form is the latest trend. But the Pulse Ring wants you to simply focus on how you’re feeling and doing in the moment. It’s a completely different device from others.
“Pulse isn’t just another gadget; it’s a paradigm shift,” says Cory Allen, acclaimed author and podcaster. “In a market saturated with devices that pull us out of the moment, Pulse gently guides us back in. It’s the mindfulness tool we’ve been waiting for.”
With that said, it still does work with a companion app, even if the app doesn’t provide 24/7 metrics you can obsess over. Use the Pulse app to tailor your experience, including switching among modes and adjusting the vibration patterns to suit your personal needs.
The ring has a “long-lasting” battery and is waterproof. It charges wirelessly as well and comes in sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12.
The Kickstarter campaign offers early adopters exclusive pre-order prices. The campaign has already exceeded its $13,522 goal with pledges of $19,158 from 105 backers with 28 days left to go in the campaign. A $129 pledge will get you a Pulse Ring at up to 57% off along with a free six-week mindfulness meditation course from Allen. Estimated delivery is set for February 2025.