The deal will significantly enhance the Oura Ring's capabilities, allowing users to tap into Counsel's pool of in-house physicians and 24/7 medical AI support. This move is part of Oura's broader strategy to turn its device into a continuous medical companion.

Oura's CEO, Tom Hale, has described the company's vision as making the ring "a doctor in your pocket." The acquisition of Counsel Health marks another step towards achieving this goal. By combining their expertise, Oura and Counsel aim to provide users with more comprehensive health monitoring and guidance.

The partnership will leverage Oura's 24/7 health monitoring capabilities to identify potential deviations from a user's biometric baseline. Counsel's medical AI and in-house physicians will then offer clinical guidance and support for timely health issues.

Specialty and chronic care services will also be available through the acquisition, focusing on conditions such as reproductive, aging, and cardiometabolic-related issues. This move is expected to expand Oura's addressable market and deepen its value proposition for users.

This latest acquisition marks Oura's third major deal this year, following the purchase of Galen AI and Doublepoint AI. These acquisitions are set to significantly enhance Oura's capabilities, potentially paving the way for more advanced health monitoring and support in the future.

The integration of Counsel Health's services into Oura Ring is expected to bring significant enhancements to its capabilities. This development may pave the way for more advanced health monitoring and support in the future, as hinted at by previous reports.

The acquisition, which is set to close by the end of the year, has sparked interest among industry observers. Tech companies are increasingly investing in health tech startups, recognizing their potential to transform the healthcare landscape.

Samsung's recent acquisition of Xealth, a care platform connecting over 500 hospitals with 70 digital health centers, is another notable example of this trend. According to Samsung VP Praveen Raja, this deal furthers the company's mission to connect the healthcare landscape from symptom detection to care provider connection.

The Oura Ring has long been recognized for its ability to detect developing illnesses or deviations from a user's biometric baseline. This is evident in cases where users have reported detecting health issues before they began to feel symptoms, as seen with the author's own experience earlier this year.

With Counsel Health on board, Oura will be able to contextualize user biometrics when managing chronic conditions or dealing with illness. This integration may enable more informed and effective healthcare decisions, leveraging both medical AI and in-house physician expertise.

The acquisition of a healthcare company by Oura Health may help alleviate pressure on urgent care clinics, which often struggle to keep up with high demand and limited resources. This is particularly evident in densely populated areas like New York City, where primary care providers are frequently booked solid for weeks or even months in advance.

As a result, patients may be forced to rely on urgent care centers for same-day appointments, which can be expensive and often lack the continuity of care that comes with seeing a regular primary care physician. If Oura users gain access to real doctors through their app, they could potentially avoid these issues altogether by seeking guidance and prescriptions remotely.

This integration has the potential to reduce reliance on urgent care providers and primary care clinics, enabling patients to manage their healthcare needs more efficiently from the comfort of their own homes.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/oura-ring-users-may-get-in-app-access-to-real-doctors-soon-what-we-know/

This innovation is designed to eliminate the need for frequent phone checks, which can become cumbersome when dealing with multiple pings from an AI throughout the day. By using the ring, users can keep their phones in their pockets while still being able to manage their interactions with AI agents.

The Aina Ring is the latest development from a company that has been working on this technology for over 15 months. Initially known as Project Mirage, the company debuted some experimental products at CES 2026 under a different name.

One of these early prototypes was called Dune, which shared similarities with the Aina Ring but had limited functionality compared to its successor. The Dune device allowed users to connect it to their Mac and use three buttons that became context-aware controls based on what they were doing.

In meetings, for example, the buttons could be used as shortcuts for mute, camera off, or record. After studying how people interacted with Dune, the company developed the Aina Ring, which is now available for preorder at a limited-time price of $399. The retail price will be $499 when it starts shipping in January 2027.

The developers believe that approvals are going to be a crucial aspect of interfaces and interaction in the future, and they aimed to create a device that would make this process simple and easy to manage.

The development team behind Aina's smart ring considered other form factors before settling on this design. Smart glasses and pendants were explored as alternatives but ultimately deemed less convenient for user interaction.

The titanium Aina Ring seamlessly integrates with both Macs and iPhones, continuously monitoring the onboard assistant to anticipate users' next needs. This is made possible through machine learning algorithms that analyze personal data, including location, calendar events, and email communications.

Once connected services like Uber or Spotify are integrated via the Aina app, the ring's joystick doubles as a music playback controller, allowing for effortless control over audio content. When running shoes are detected, for instance, the assistant can suggest continuing a podcast from the previous night.

As users go about their daily routines, the ring offers timely suggestions and automates tasks based on established patterns. For example, if an Uber ride is typically taken at 8:30 am, the ring will prompt to confirm the request with just a flick of the joystick.

The Aina ring's advanced operating system enables users to create custom actions, known as "Aina Cues," which can be triggered by a simple gesture or voice command.

These cues can be tailored to specific times of day or events, allowing users to automate routine tasks such as turning on the coffee machine every morning at 8 am. However, the capabilities of these cues will depend on the apps and features supported by the ring's operating system.

Users also have the flexibility to connect their preferred AI agents, like Muse or Instinct, to the Aina ring through virtual browsers if a particular app or service is not directly supported. This enables users to utilize a wide range of services and applications with the ring.

The ring's display is designed to provide clear feedback on whether an action has been successfully executed, which is particularly important given that AI agents may not respond immediately.

The Aina smart ring has been designed to adapt its functionality based on the user's current activities. For instance, if it detects that the user is engaged in a Zoom call on their Mac, it will display relevant controls for managing the meeting directly from the ring.

Similarly, if the user is watching TV and has connected their TV system to Aina, the ring can be used as a remote control for navigating channels or adjusting volume levels. This context-aware design allows users to interact with their AI agents in a more seamless and intuitive manner.

While several companies have attempted to create devices that seamlessly integrate with AI technology, none have yet achieved widespread success. Notable examples include Humane and Rabbit, which were marketed as revolutionary gadgets but ultimately failed to gain traction due to their awkward design or inability to replace the smartphone.

By providing users with a simple means of interacting with their AI agents, Aina aims to alleviate the bottleneck that often occurs when humans are required to intervene in automated processes.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/aina-smart-ring/

Among the latest additions is the Echo Time, a $200 smart alarm clock that doubles as a hub for controlling other smart devices in the home. This new device boasts a rounded speaker and display, making it an attractive alternative to traditional bedside clocks.

The Echo Studio has also been upgraded with a built-in Home Camera, increasing its price to $250. Meanwhile, Amazon's existing Echo Dot has been revamped and is now available for $100.

In addition to these updates, the company has introduced the Alexa Photo Frame, priced at $230. This device allows users to display their cherished memories on a digital frame that can be controlled using voice commands.

Amazon's smart home lineup has also received a significant boost with the release of the Echo Show 16, which is currently available for preorder and will start shipping in mid-December.

Amazon's smart home offerings have just expanded with the introduction of the Alexa Photo Frame, a unique device that seamlessly integrates digital photos into a physical frame. The 10.1-inch matte display allows users to cycle through their own photo collection and even search for specific images by voice.

The frame is available in three different finishes - Birch, Walnut, and Black - making it easy to match with existing home decor. Pricing starts at $230, and the Alexa Photo Frame is currently available for purchase, just in time for holiday shopping.

Amazon has also announced significant upgrades to its Echo lineup, including a redesigned Echo Show 16, a new Echo Dot, and an upgraded Echo Studio with Home Camera. These updates promise to improve user experience and expand smart home capabilities.

The company's Alexa Home Map is another exciting development, allowing users to create a 3D interactive map of their home's interior and exterior. This feature enables real-time navigation, zooming into rooms, and seeing device locations while controlling them remotely.

The Alexa Home Map builds upon the Amazon Alexa app's existing Map View feature, which was introduced three years ago. While not a new concept for Amazon, this enhanced experience promises to elevate users' smart home management capabilities.

The new Alexa Home Map allows users to visualize their property from above, showcasing the layout of their indoor smart devices in a 360-degree aerial view. This innovative feature leverages Ring cameras to create animations of people and cars moving around the yard, providing a comprehensive understanding of the home's surroundings.

One notable aspect of the Alexa Home Map is its use of Familiar Faces, an AI-powered facial recognition feature that identifies individuals and saves their faces for future recognition. However, this technology has raised concerns regarding consent and privacy, with at least one lawsuit already filed against Amazon.

To create a 3D interactive map of your home, users can utilize a compatible smartphone equipped with lidar features to scan each room and combine the data into a comprehensive layout. This allows users to place Alexa-compatible smart home devices in each room and interact with them in real-time, such as adjusting lighting or volume levels.

For the exterior of their property, users can simply enter their address to generate an Alexa Home Map using existing map data. This feature provides a convenient way for users to visualize their home's layout and interact with their smart home devices from a single interface.

Amazon's Alexa Home Map feature is designed to integrate with various smart devices, including Echo speakers, Ring cameras, Blink security systems, Fire TV devices, and other "Works with Alexa" products. This integration allows for enhanced home security through real-time monitoring of connected devices.

The Alexa Home Map updates dynamically in real time, gathering data from various smart devices within the home. This enables users to visualize their surroundings, including the color-changing effects of smart lighting during holidays, as well as animations depicting people and cars moving around the property.

As more information is aggregated into a single interface, concerns about user privacy arise. With sensitive details such as device settings and behavioral patterns readily available, users risk exposing themselves to potential account takeovers or data breaches.

The integration also increases the vulnerability of home networks to cyber threats. A single compromised third-party smart device could potentially be used to access deeper areas of the network or manipulate the map interface itself.

This heightened level of interconnectedness raises questions about who has control over this sensitive information and how it is being used, both by Amazon and potential malicious actors.

The heightened level of interconnectedness between Amazon's smart home devices raises concerns about control and usage of sensitive information.

This has sparked questions about who has authority over this data, not just for Amazon but also for potential malicious actors seeking to exploit it. A cybersecurity expert points out that this increased connectivity creates a more vulnerable environment for cyber threats.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/amazon-echo-smart-home-announcements-october-2026-price-availability/

One of the key features that make Ring cameras so useful is their ability to function as live intercoms, allowing users to see who's at the door from another room or even remotely through the app. This can be particularly helpful when you're not physically present at home but still want to screen visitors before deciding whether to let them in.

Ring cameras can also be used to keep an eye on pets and other aspects of your property, providing a sense of security and reassurance without necessarily requiring a subscription. However, it's worth noting that some features are only accessible with a monthly fee, which may deter some users.

The company offers a range of subscription plans starting at $4.99 per month, with varying levels of access to saved footage and other premium features. While this can be a drawback for some, it's also worth considering the value you get from using Ring cameras without a subscription.

In many scenarios, even basic features like Two-Way Talk and Live Feed are sufficient, allowing users to see who's at the door and communicate with them through the app before deciding what to do next. This can be especially useful for parents or caregivers who need to keep an eye on children from another room.

For some owners, the free tier of Ring's service is more than enough, providing a convenient way to stay connected with visitors and maintain a sense of security without breaking the bank.

Indoor Ring cameras offer features that cater to pet owners who want to keep an eye on their animals when they're away from home. Using a smartphone, users can monitor their pets and even engage in two-way conversations with them through the device's speaker.

The use of Ring cameras for monitoring pets has sparked controversy, with some critics questioning whether it's acceptable to install such devices to watch over household animals. However, for many pet owners, these cameras provide valuable peace of mind when they're away from home.

Travelers who want to stay informed about what's happening at their homes while abroad can also benefit from the free version of Ring's service. This includes keeping an eye on potential package theft or suspicious activity outside the house.

The rise in porch piracy has made subscription plans more appealing for some users, particularly those who've experienced package theft firsthand and want access to footage that may help identify perpetrators. However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of paying for a subscription.

Ring cameras have been at the center of privacy concerns, with critics questioning how facial recognition data is being used by Amazon and Ring. This has led to lawsuits against the companies, as well as widespread backlash over a recent Super Bowl commercial that highlighted the potential for mass surveillance using AI-assisted features.

The partnership between Ring and Flock Safety was put on hold following intense backlash over concerns about mass surveillance using AI-assisted features in a recent Super Bowl commercial. The deal allowed law enforcement to request footage from Ring owners, sparking widespread reactions.

Ring has since introduced an update to its TAKE software, claiming that users now have full control over their video footage through unique, rotating encryption keys. This approach is likened to a house key system, where only the owner can decide who receives a spare, maintaining confidentiality and security.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2291366/why-ring-camera-useful-without-subscription/

My Google Home Speaker has been responsible for an astonishing amount of data consumption over the past ten days, with 487 GB used up - a figure that's almost as high as my entire household's data usage between August and September.

The issue appears to be isolated to some devices, and Google has acknowledged the problem. According to a spokesperson from the company, a server misconfiguration is to blame for causing some Google Home Speakers to repeatedly download software updates.

This glitch has been enough to significantly impact home Wi-Fi bandwidth, leaving users wondering what's behind the sudden surge in data consumption.

My investigation into this issue led me to take a closer look at all the devices connected to my router, revealing some unexpected data usage patterns.

As I dug deeper into my Wi-Fi usage patterns, I realized that checking device data consumption was essential to identifying potential culprits. Some routers offer detailed information on where data is being directed, allowing users to pinpoint the devices responsible for excessive use.

My own Eero mesh system has a limited view of connected devices and their data usage due to our decision not to pay for its subscription fee. However, I can still access basic information through the app, which lists all connected devices but doesn't provide detailed data consumption metrics.

Routers with subscription fees often come with paywalls that conceal valuable features, including traffic analysis capabilities. Fortunately, there are alternatives available, such as Asus' mesh Wi-Fi system, which offers free tracking and analysis of network traffic without requiring a paid subscription.

To take advantage of this feature on an Asus router, navigate to the manufacturer's website in your browser and log in to your account. Once logged in, click on the Traffic Analyzer tab and ensure it is enabled; data refreshes every hour. The Statistic tab will then display the top five devices using the most data.

For users with a TP-Link router or mesh system, similar traffic review capabilities are available through their respective apps. By examining this information, I can gain a better understanding of which devices are consuming the most Wi-Fi resources and take steps to optimize my network's performance.

To delve deeper into Wi-Fi usage on my network, I opened the Deco app and navigated to its Network tab. Selecting Traffic Usage revealed a wealth of information about how devices are utilizing internet resources. However, the level of detail varied depending on the router model, with some offering toggleable In-depth Statistics for more granular data.

Netgear routers only provide an overall traffic count under the Traffic Meter feature, preventing users from breaking down usage by individual device. For other manufacturers, it's worth exploring both the mobile app and web interface to uncover additional details. The latter often offers access to a broader range of information than its mobile counterpart.

To sidestep potential paywalls, I recommend consulting our comprehensive router and mesh Wi-Fi guides for recommendations on devices that offer robust data tracking capabilities. By doing so, users can gain a more nuanced understanding of their network's performance without incurring additional costs.

In addition to the Deco app, my internet service provider offers its own app, in this case, the AT&T mobile application, which enables me to monitor exact usage data. Most providers should have similar apps or login portals that allow users to track their data activity in real-time. The available metrics are limited compared to those offered by a dedicated router's app.

Upon launching the AT&T app, I was able to view detailed data for my current billing period as well as the last three periods. However, it only lists high-volume devices rather than every connected device on my network.

While reviewing my data usage, I discovered a list of devices connected to my network, but it only included high-volume users, not every device on my network.

This limited information still allowed me to identify which devices were consuming the most data in recent days and weeks, revealing an issue with both the Google Home Speaker and the Ring smoke detector.

The fact that these smart home devices are consuming significant amounts of data may not be a concern for those with large Wi-Fi plans, but it could pose a problem for others who have limited data caps or slower connections.

For individuals on smaller data plans or with clogged networks, checking their data usage to identify the culprit device is essential to avoid unexpected charges or performance issues.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/google-home-speaker-bug-oct-2026/

This innovative feature allows users to access their homes even if the smart lock's battery dies, which can be particularly useful for those who may not have a spare key or may be locked out of their house. The external body of the lock contains this dial, which can be manually turned until it powers up and allows entry via PIN code or fingerprint scanning.

The Ring Smart Lock boasts multiple ways to unlock, including fingerprint scanning, PIN codes (which can also be temporary), Alexa voice commands, and the Ring app itself. This means users can choose their preferred method of access, depending on their needs and preferences.

The lock's battery pack is designed for easy removal and recharging at home, eliminating the need to replace batteries entirely. This could save users money in the long run and reduce electronic waste.

Once inside, users can then take out the Quick Release Ultra battery pack and recharge it as needed, rather than having to discard old batteries altogether. The Ring Smart Lock's features aim to provide a convenient and hassle-free experience for homeowners, combining manual and smart functionality.

The Ring Smart Lock's manual fallback feature is designed to ensure that homeowners can still access their homes even if the lock's battery dies. This means that users won't be left stranded outside their own doors, a common problem with other smart locks on the market.

One of the benefits of this feature is that it eliminates the need for backup keys. Carrying spare keys can be inconvenient and may not always be readily available when needed. With the Ring Smart Lock's manual fallback, users can simply crank the handle to gain access to their homes.

The feature is particularly useful in situations where children or family members may be stuck outside with a dead lock battery. In such cases, having a backup method of entry can provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers. The hand-crank mechanism allows users to quickly regain access to their homes without needing any additional tools or devices.

Other smart locks on the market often require users to carry around 9V batteries or portable chargers with USB-C ports. However, these solutions may not always be practical in an emergency situation. A dead battery can leave users stranded outside their homes, and carrying a backup power source may not always be feasible.

The manual fallback feature of the Ring Smart Lock is designed to provide a reliable and convenient solution for homeowners. By combining smart functionality with manual controls, this lock offers a hassle-free experience that minimizes the risk of being locked out due to a dead battery.

The Ring Smart Lock's manual fallback feature is a game-changer for homeowners who value convenience and security. This innovative lock combines smart functionality with manual controls, ensuring that users can easily override any issues related to dead batteries.

Although more details about the lock are still forthcoming, such as battery life estimates and Matter compatibility, it's clear that Ring has put thought into creating a user-friendly product. The inclusion of three finishes - black, silver, and brass - adds an aesthetic touch, making the smart lock blend seamlessly with various home decors.

The smart lock is set to launch in early 2027, although a specific release date remains undisclosed. When it becomes available for purchase, users can expect to pay $250. For those interested in staying up-to-date on the lock's availability, signing up for notifications is an option.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/uncategorized/ring-smart-lock-manual-power-dial/