The wearable device market is traditionally divided into two categories: fitness gadgets and medical equipment. Tom Moss, founder of Vital Signals, is convinced that the industry has focused too long on "wellness," ignoring real life-threatening risks. This gap is what the new device—the Signal Ring smart ring—aims to fill. It is positioned not as a pedometer, but as a tool to prevent the need to call an ambulance.
Personal Experience as a Trigger for Innovation
The idea to create a device capable of monitoring critical health indicators came to Tom Moss following a personal tragedy. A few years ago, he was hospitalized in an emergency with a systolic blood pressure of 250 mmHg (normal is 120). This incident made the tech company leader realize that even good health does not guarantee safety if one does not monitor their heart.
The search for a solution revealed that there were no devices on the market capable of working 24/7 while ensuring high measurement accuracy. Existing smartwatches often require calibration with a tonometer, making them unsuitable for emergency situations. Moss joined forces with two Masimo engineers specializing in pulse sensors, and over three years, the team developed the Signal Ring.
Technology Over Marketing
Unlike many competitors, Signal Ring does not rely on exclusive hardware specifications. Most components are industry standards. The device's key advantage lies in its data processing algorithms, which ensure unprecedented measurement accuracy.
The ring operates in passive mode, scanning blood pressure throughout the day. The user can also initiate a measurement manually. In this case, the system suggests assuming a comfortable position and slowing down breathing to obtain accurate data. A unique feature is the ability to add context: users can mark the influence of sports, food, alcohol, or caffeine on their body's indicators, comparing them to a baseline level.
From Nextbit to Vital Signals
Tom Moss is an experienced entrepreneur in the technology sector. Previously, he was the founder of Nextbit, which presented one of the first Android smartphones on Kickstarter, which was later acquired by Razer. Later, he served as the CTO of drone manufacturer Skydio. In 2023, he founded Vital Signals to realize a project capable of genuinely impacting users' health.
The company consciously rejected the subscription model and built-in artificial intelligence. Data from the ring can be easily exported, allowing users to analyze it independently using any third-party chatbots or AI tools.
Availability and Future Plans
The manufacturer is currently in the process of obtaining regulatory approval, which is necessary to collaborate with insurance companies. Signal Ring is already available for pre-order at a price of $399.
The device will be released in US sizes 5 to 13 (corresponding to Russian sizes 15.70 to 22.33). The stated battery life is up to three days. The package includes a charging case that provides up to four additional charges for the ring. The first customers will receive the devices in October.