Oura has filed a patent suggesting it is exploring smart AR glasses controlled by its well‑known smart ring, potentially allowing biometric data like heart rate to be displayed directly in front of the wearer’s eyes.
The Finnish company, best known for its health‑tracking smart rings, has been linked to a new wearable concept thanks to a recently published patent application numbered 20260023426.
The filing, dated July 2025 and published in January 2026, outlines how a smart ring could work in tandem with augmented reality glasses to display health metrics in real time.
The idea is straightforward: instead of pulling out a smartphone or checking a wristwatch, users could see their heart rate or other biometric data projected directly into their field of view. The smart ring would not only collect the data but also act as a controller, enabling gesture‑based interactions with the glasses.
The patent describes scenarios where such a system could be useful, particularly during workouts. For example, a runner could glance at their heart rate without breaking stride, adjusting intensity on the fly. Gesture controls via the ring could allow users to switch between metrics or dismiss overlays without touching the glasses themselves.
While this is not a groundbreaking leap in technology (similar concepts have been explored by companies such as Samsung and Even Realities), it does highlight Oura’s ambition to expand beyond rings into a broader wearable ecosystem.
Interestingly, the filing also mentions XR applications, covering augmented, mixed, and virtual reality. In practice, this could mean anything from simple overlays like heart rate data to more complex visual augmentations such as contextual translations or workout guidance.
However, the language in the patent is broad, and it is not clear whether Oura intends to pursue advanced AR features or stick to health‑centric displays. The distinction matters, as showing biometric data is technically an extension of reality but not the same as overlaying digital objects onto the physical world.
For now, this remains speculative. Patents often serve as exploratory markers rather than definitive product roadmaps. Oura has not announced any commercial plans for AR glasses, and the company continues to focus on its smart ring line, which has carved out a niche in sleep and fitness tracking.
Nevertheless, the timing of the patent suggests Oura was actively investigating this technology through mid‑2025, leaving open the possibility of future development.
If Oura does pursue this path, it would join a growing trend of wearable makers experimenting with ring‑controlled smart glasses.
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring has already been linked to its XR headset, while startups like Inmo and Even Realities have showcased similar integrations.
The appeal lies in discreet, hands‑free control and seamless health tracking, areas where Oura already has strong credibility. Until then, the patent remains an intriguing glimpse into what could be the next frontier for the brand.
