Technology
Smart rings that can track your sleep, fitness, and could save your life
While smartwatches have reigned supreme as a wearable tech for the past few years, smart rings are all the rage now. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring was the first of the major smartphone manufacturers to add to the smart ring space, and while it’s the first major brand, it’s not the first smart ring to hit the market. A few smart rings, like the Oura Ring, have been out for a few years, which means they are largely free of bugs and tried and tested in 2024.
Smart rings track the same things smartwatches do, such as steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health. They tend to have significantly more battery life than smartwatches, with no distracting screen. Like smartwatches, the best smart rings on the market can even help save your life with proper vitals tracking and notification systems to alert you when something is wrong.
Here are my three favorite smart rings that can track your fitness and could even save your life.
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A man sleeping with a smart ring on his finger. (Oura)
The smart ring landscape: Key features, pricing and compatibility
As the market for smart wearables continues to expand, several innovative options have emerged, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. We will look into the standout characteristics of four notable smart rings: the Oura Ring 4, Samsung Galaxy Ring and RingConn Gen 1. From advanced sleep-tracking capabilities to budget-friendly options, each ring presents a distinct value proposition that caters to various lifestyles and preferences. Additionally, we will examine their pricing and compatibility to help you make an informed decision.
Oura Ring 4
- Key Features: Exceptional sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring and a subscription service for detailed analytics.
- Price Point: $350
- Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
- Key Features: Advanced sleep tracking with AI algorithms and seamless integration with Android devices.
- Price Point: $400 (most expensive)
- Compatibility: Exclusively for Android users.
RingConn Gen 1
- Key Features: Budget-friendly option with essential health tracking features but fewer advanced functionalities.
- Price Point: $280 (most affordable)
- Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android.
A woman wearing a smart ring. (Samsung)
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The best ring for most people
Oura Ring 4
If you’re looking for one of the best smart rings on the market that will do everything you want with a simple setup, consider the Oura Ring 4. It’s a brand-new release that began shipping Oct. 15 and can be ordered for $350, which is $50 more expensive than the prior Oura Ring 3. It comes in four different colors and four different size options.
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Image of a smart ring. (Oura)
The Oura Ring 4 packs a suite of fitness-focused features such as a workout heart rate tracker, which can be synced with Oura’s desktop and mobile app to show detailed analysis of your burned calories, active and inactive time, and heart rate. One of the most celebrated features of the Oura Ring 4 is its outstanding sleep tracking, which can measure and log your nighttime temperature changes, blood oxygen levels, and sleep cycle stages.
It does come at an expensive price point, though, at $350. We’ve seen Oura Ring prices go up every revision, and I think Oura has done an excellent job justifying the new price point with new features. It’s worth considering it’s only a $50 price increase from the Oura Ring 3, and it’s the better ring. One downside, however, to the Oura Ring 4 is you will need to pay an additional $6 for the Oura Ring subscription service, which is how you store your ring’s analytics.
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The best smart ring for Android phone users
Samsung Galaxy Ring
If you own an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy ring is the best option for a smart ring. Priced at $400, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring was released in the summer of 2024, and it has many of the same features as the Oura Ring 4. However, unlike the Oura Ring 4, the Galaxy Ring takes sleep tracking a step further. Samsung has developed its own AI algorithm to determine your sleep patterns, all while offering a daily sleep score.
Image of a smart ring. (Samsung)
Your health data will be stored in the Galaxy Health App, which you can use directly from your Android smartphone. It’s important to note that the Galaxy Ring is only compatible with the Android operating system. IOS owners, unfortunately, don’t have access to the Galaxy Health app. The Galaxy Ring is compatible with other devices in the Samsung gadget ecosystem. This means that if you have a Samsung smartwatch, it will share data with your Galaxy Ring. However, this compatibility comes at a cost, and this is the most expensive smart ring on this list, at $400.
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The best smart ring on a budget
RingConn Gen 1
The RingConn Gen 1 offers some of the high-end features of the Oura rings without the monthly subscription fee. It’s also the cheapest smart ring on this list, at $280, but it’s frequently on sale. It comes in three different colors and 10 different sizing options, allowing it to be worn on fingers of all sizes.
Image of smart ring. (RingConn)
The RingConn Gen 1 features stress and general wellness tracking. It also has a sleep tracker, activity counter and vitals tracking, such as a heart rate tracker, a blood oxygen monitor and temperature sensors. Reviewers have noted that while the health information tracking with the RingConn Gen 1 is great, the activity tracker could be more exact. You also don’t get as many features as you would with the competing Oura brand of smart rings, but you also save a bit of money off the top and the subscription fee.
Overall, the RingConn Gen 1 is a great entry-level smart ring. It’s not as feature-packed as some of the competitors, but it’s priced well and is an excellent way to see if a smart ring is for you. You can always upgrade to a different smart ring if you like the RingConn Gen 1, but I think it’s a great starting point for most people in the world of smart rings.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Smart rings are the newest thing that’s here to stay in the wearable tech arena. These rings monitor your health like a smartwatch, and they also track your vitals in detail. A smart ring could save your life in a medical emergency, alerting you to an issue with your heart rate before you even notice. Since the release of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, more big brands have been looking for ways to get into the smart ring space, and it’s an exciting time to see what the future holds for smart rings. Maybe we will see the likes of Google or Apple release a smart ring in the near future.
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Technology
OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
Technology
Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
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1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Technology
Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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