The latest version of the Ultrahuman app has made significant improvements, addressing one of the biggest complaints from users like myself: the app was overwhelming. The new Emerald Update presents data in a clear and easy-to-read format, making it useful and not just overwhelming.
When I first open the app each day, I see a screen that gives a small amount of important information about how I slept and how my day is shaping up. For example, today it says my sleep is improving, my resting heart rate is normal, and my temperature is "borderline" (a little higher than usual). It tells me I only got six hours of sleep, which is pretty much everything I want to know when I check the app early in the day.
The app now distills its firehose of data into a few "next best actions." The top one for me right now is to get up and move, since I've been pretty sedentary today. If I tap to see more, the next recommendation is to set an alarm to start my bedtime routine, since my bedtime has been inconsistent. These recommendations are actually pretty useful.
The app is also easier to navigate. The old version had tabs at the bottom of the screen, but most of them were useless unless you had purchased specific Ultrahuman products. Now, there are five tabs: the ring tab, with all my main data screens; "longevity," which gives me an "ultra age" showing how fast I am supposedly aging according to my habits; Jade, which I'll say more about in a minute; PowerPlugs, where you can choose add-ons that give you extra features; and "zones," a social feature.
The longevity tab is useful for longer-term metrics. I don't put much stock in its exact longevity number, but this tab also shows my estimated VO2max, along with a note explaining a recent algorithm update. As I scroll down, I can see some recommendations for "slowing" my aging, which amount to advice for long-term health.
"Jade" houses an AI chatbot that I honestly try to interact with as little as possible. The card telling me about my blood flow smoothness suggested that I ask Jade what this means and how to improve it. I tapped the button to do so, and Jade told me it doesn't know what blood flow smoothness is. This part seems to need some more work.
Circadian windows are also easier to read. In the old version, I was constantly being told when and when not to consume caffeine. Now, the app shows me my "active windows" at any given time. Right now, it's the afternoon, and the app tells me it's fine to have caffeine, that sunlight and exercise won't affect my sleep timing, and that it's OK to look at screens.
Overall, I've found the experience of using the ring a lot more pleasant alongside the new app redesign. Ultrahuman says that data processing now happens on-device, so you don't need an internet connection to get your metrics and recommendations. I'm still working my way through the app's features as I test the Ring Pro, but I'm looking forward to the improved heart rate accuracy and the ability to use data from other devices for workouts.
Sometimes, change is good.
