Better known as contactless payment rings or pay rings, these types of smart rings use NFC (near-field communication) technology to connect them to a point of sale (POS)  machine. Much a like a credit or debit card that you just tap close to the terminal to pay, these contactless payment rings work the same. All you need to do is register your debit or credit card through your chosen ring’s app and start tapping to pay. That is how convenient it is to use contactless payment rings, so there’s no surprise why it is the most popular wearable for payments.

Contactless payment rings are still emerging with McLear leading the way. But there are other players sprouting that I think can give McLear users a run for their money. If you are looking for the best contactless payment rings in 2024, Smart Ring News breaks down the 5 Best Smart Rings for Payment:

1. Quontic Pay Ring (U.S.)

The Quontic Pay Ring is the first wearable payment smart ring offered by a bank in the U.S. However, this ring is not commercially available. Instead, Quontic Bank offers the Quontic Pay Ring exclusively to their checking account customers for free. The Quontic Pay Ring is as secure as using your debit card. If you lose it, you have the option to temporarily disable your ring until you find it.

You can also customize transaction amount limits and control where and how to use it right through Quontic’s app. Like most NFC rings, the Quontic Pay Ring is a passive device, which means you don’t have to charge it to use it. It is always ready anytime you want to use it at terminals.

The Quontic Pay Ring is a rebranded McLear RingPay. If you haven’t heard of McLear already, it is the leading contactless payment ring in the U.K. and Europe right now with similar features as the Quontic Pay Ring. Like the McLear smart ring, the Quontic Pay Ring is made from high-purity zirconia ceramic, making it water-proof, scratch-resistant, and durable enough to be used day in and day out. If you are based in the U.S., simply open a checking account with Quontic Bank to get this ring.

2. McLear RingPay 2 (U.K.)

A pioneer in payment rings, McLear is the most popular and established of all payment rings. McLear RingPay 2 is a passive device, which means it requires no charging at all. You may add and manage up to 4 rings as well if you want to use different rings for different purposes (personal, business, etc.) or for different people (spouse, children, parents, etc.). You are also allowed to transfer funds between these rings.

If you are too afraid of losing your ring, the McLear RingPay app allows you to suspend and unsuspend your ring at any time. If you are concerned about unauthorized transactions, you can set up a PIN for all transactions that go above your contactless limit. Other useful RingPay features include expenditure tracking, automatic top-ups, a cashback rewards program, and donation to your chosen charity.

However, McLear RingPay 2 is only available to select bank customers in the U.K. for now. But you may also use it at payment terminals outside the U.K. as long as they have the contactless payment sign. Another significant downside to consider is that the ring is valid only after 36 months.

The McLear RingPay 2 costs £99.99 for the black and white variants and £119.99 for the silver variant. It is available in sizes from 4.5-16mm. Check out the McClear RingPay 2!

3. Cnick (Europe)

The only contactless payment ring available widely in most European countries, Cnick is the perfect choice if you live within this region, such as the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Nevertheless, you can still use Cnick outside Europe where Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Unlike other contactless payment rings that depend on top-ups and wallets, Cnick connects your payment cards so your card will be charged. In terms of security, Cnick uses a token for your payment card in place of your account number or card number. Therefore, you can guarantee that your account numbers will not be used or stolen while you use the ring.

Cnick costs €119 for basic models, while the more sophisticated variants cost €139. You also have the option to customize your ring starting at €135. Check out Cnick!

4. Evering (Japan)

The Evering is the first contactless payment ring in Japan available exclusively to credit card users. Regardless of brand, whether it’s Visa, MasterCard, JBC, Amex, or Diners, as long as your card is issued in Japan, you can connect it to your Evering. However, it does not work with debit and prepaid cards for now. It does work with any payment terminals that have the contactless payment symbol.

Users may use the ring without keying a PIN. In case it gets lost or stolen, users may disable their ring through the Evering app. The monthly floor limit of the Evering is 120,000 yen (~1,000 USD). The lifetime limit of the ring is 1 million yen (~9,100 USD). Once used up within the expiration date, users will receive a new Evering.

Made from zirconia ceramic, the Evering is passive and requires no charging. It is available in black color only with sizes from 4.5 to 12 mm.

Evering costs 19,800 yen for the black and white variants and 21,450 yen for the silver variant, inclusive of tax. Other color variants like orange, pink, and purple are available for monthly plans. Check out the Evering!

5. Oura (Worldwide – Coming Soon!)

Now let’s set the record straight—contactless payment is not yet available with the Oura Ring. But what we’ve heard so far is that the Finnish company will soon be incorporating it into the fourth-generation Oura Ring, which I think is a game-changing move considering its already powerful sleep and recovery tracking capabilities. We have yet to wait for Oura’s official announcement, but for now, I hope contactless payment will see the light of day with Oura 4. Check out the Oura Ring!

Best Contactless Payment Rings

Other smart rings for payments available for purchases include Esos Ring (U.S.), K Ring, and Laks Ring2Pay (India). There are also a couple of soon-to-be-released crowdfunded pay rings such as Tapster and Xenso S-Ring.

Overall, there’s not much competition on the market right now for contactless payment rings. Choosing a pay ring right now mostly depends on whether it is available in your country or not. Many wearable tech brands have expressed interest to foray into the contactless payment space. But we have yet to see them work.

Have you used any of these pay rings? What do you think of them? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 Best Smart Rings for Payment in 2024 first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Oura has dominated the smart ring market for almost a decade, and rightfully so, given it has been the most reliable and consistent device ever available. Over the past couple of years, despite the challenges in form factor, several brands have already made inroads into the smart ring market, including Ultrahuman and Ringconn. Fast forward to date, we’ve seen more familiar names like Samsung, Movano Health, and Amazfit joining the race.

The smart ring market, however, is not limited to health monitoring. There are smart rings that can be used for other purposes, including contactless payments, remote control, travel passes, and car access. 

Fortunately for you, there are now many impressive smart rings available. From sleep tracking to contactless payment and blood oxygen monitoring, we selected the best smart rings according to their functionalities. But before diving into the list, how do we choose the right smart rings?

Choosing the Best Smart Rings

When we created our list of the best smart rings, we first took into account a couple of things to make sure they serve you the ultimate way possible. Here are some criteria we considered:

Purpose

Smart rings are used for different purposes. Knowing what you want to use the ring for is critical for your decision. Is it for monitoring your health? If you need to be more specific, is it for sleep, blood oxygen, or period prediction? Is it for payment? Is it for your car?

Integrations

What type of third-party support does the smart ring have? In most health rings, third-party apps like Natural Cycles, Google Fit, and MyFitnessPal, among others. If you are looking for a particular app to use, make sure to check with the ring maker whether they support the app you’re looking for.

Budget

Cost is one of the things that set people back from getting a smart ring. Most NFC smart rings cost below $200, but health-tracking rings with more sophisticated sensors cost at least $200. For example, the price of the Oura Ring starts at $299, but there are Oura Ring dupes that you can buy for less than that.

After taking all these factors, here are our top picks for the best smart rings you can buy now:

1. Oura Ring – Best Smart Ring

Leading the smart ring market is Oura, a sleep tracker that gives you a 360-degree view of your nightly rest habits. These include factors like sleep stages (REM, light, and deep sleep), total sleep, restfulness, timing, sleep efficiency, latency, time in bed, and resting heart rate (RHR). You’ll be given a sleep score based on those factors, which you can view right through Oura’s mobile app.

Sleep tracking is only one of Oura’s main functions, though. It also tracks your activities and evaluates your readiness based on certain factors. Overall, Oura is pretty accurate, making it one of the best smart rings out there. I strongly recommend Oura for people with problematic sleeping habits just like me. I did a 30-day-long Oura User Test, so be sure to check how it stacked up as a smart ring.

The new version, Oura 3 was launched in 2021. This product adds several high-end sleep and fitness tracking functionalities, more advanced algorithms, and an updated app and membership subscription. Check our Oura 2 vs. Oura 3 comparison to see what’s new!

Get Oura Ring!

2. Ultrahuman Ring Air – Best Sleep Ring

One of the most advanced wearables on the market, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is one of the best smart rings you can get your hands on. Its continuous nudges to make better lifestyle choices based on your sleep, activities, and recovery trends is something beneficial to meet your fitness goals. It’s light and slim, so you get the optimal comfort you need from a health smart ring, whether you are running or sleeping.

Get Ultrahuman Ring Air!

3. Wellue O2Ring – Best Oxygen Monitor and Pulse Oximeter Ring

There are only a few smart rings that measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate and one that stands out is the Wellue O2Ring. Developed by medical technology maker Wellue, the ring is a medical-grade oxygen monitor that can continuously track your blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body movements. It’s used by several medical clinics across the U.S. The O2Ring sports an adjustable vibrator that goes off when your blood oxygen level drops below normal or when your heart rate beats in fits and starts. And of course, you can get a detailed health report through its mobile and desktop apps.

Wellue O2Ring Oxygen Monitor with Vibration Reminder...

$179.99

Buy on Amazon

Get Wellue O2Ring!

4. Femometer Ring – Best Smart Ring for Women

The first smart ring for women that was ever released, the Femometer Ring is a phenomenal wearable device that can track menstrual cycles. It’s mainly designed as a tool for planning or avoiding pregnancy, but it’s not just that. The smart ring approaches women’s health monitoring by keeping tabs on the user’s sleep, activities, heart rate zones, body temperature, and even recovery.

Get Femometer Ring!

5. Kimiss Car Key Ring- Best Smart Ring for Tesla

If you’re looking for a smart ring for your Tesla, whether you’re using Model 3, Model S, Model X, or Model Y, the Kimiss Car Key Ring is one of the most reliable rings you can get on the market. This ring made from carbon fiber is stylish and lightweight enough to be comfortably worn on any occasion. It’s also waterproof.

Get Kimiss Car Key Ring!

6. McLear RingPay – Best Contactless Payment Ring

McLear calls RingPay the original contactless payment ring being the first company to offer such functionality at points of sale. While I’m not sure about that, what’s certain is that it’s the most popular contactless payment ring on the market. You can easily connect your credit card or bank account through the RingPay mobile app as well as track your daily expenditure. RingPay can also be used as a travel pass. As a passive device, RingPay doesn’t have a battery, so it works 24/7/365.

The ring can be used at Visa-enabled POS terminals anywhere around the world. The kicker is, only U.K. residents with U.K. banks can use the ring at the moment. In Australia, a McLear-branded payment ring called Bankwest Halo is available for Bankwest depositors. The ring works pretty much the same as RingPay. Be sure to read this McLear RingPay Review to know more about this device. McLear RingPay costs £90.

Get McLear RingPay 2!

7. Token Ring – Best NFC Smart Ring

If you’re looking for a versatile NFC smart ring, Token is your best option on the market. Here’s why: Token is an all-in-one smart ring that can be used as a smart key to your car, office, or home, as a digital wallet, and for passwordless logins to your computer. It uses your fingerprint, so it’s really hard to be stolen or hacked.

The Token smart ring is the ultimate convenience you’re looking for in an access device. It isn’t the first NFC ring to have those functionalities, but it’s impressive knowing that it’s keeping up with the leading NFC-enabled rings, even surpassing some of them. Check out my Token Smart Ring Review to learn more about its performance and capabilities. The Token smart ring is available for $349.

Related: Best NFC Smart Rings

‍8. Nuanic (formerly Moodmetric) – Best Smart Ring for Stress Management

If you’re too caught up with the everyday happenings in your life, Nuanic (formerly Moodmetric) is the ring you need. This stress monitoring and management smart ring is designed to help you get a holistic approach to your stress levels using only the electric conductivity of your skin, otherwise known as electrodermal activity (EDA). With the help of its mobile app, you’ll be able to view the factors that are causing you stress as well as things that relieve it. The app also provides personalized insights and recommendations on how you can recover from stress. Overall, Nuanic is pretty impressive. Read this Moodmetric Review to find out more about the ring’s performance.

Get Nuanic!

9. Circul+

Circul has some good activity-tracking capabilities that health and fitness enthusiasts will enjoy. It can track your total calorie burn, steps, and workouts like walking, running, hiking, and biking. Like the O2Ring, Circul mainly functions as also an oxygen monitor and pulse oximeter. It also has an impressive sleep-tracking functionality that can give Oura users a run for their money. Check out this Oura vs. Circul Review to find out which one is better for you. The biggest downside Circul has is its protection or the lack thereof. It’s not waterproof, so if you want to do water activities, this ring isn’t the right one for you. Circul+ is the latest smart ring version introduced by Bodimetrics in cooperation with Prevention magazine.

BodiMetrics CIRCUL Waterproof Sleep & Fitness Ring

Buy on Amazon

Get Circul!

10. Wave for Work – Best Remote Control Ring

Wave for Work by Genki Instruments is a gesture-initiated smart ring that allows you to control computer applications as fast as 10 meters with just a click of a button. Hosting video calls on Zoom? Mute, unmute, or raise your hand. Presenting a slideshow? Click through your slides. Listening to Spotify? Play, pause, or skip songs. You can also customize shortcuts and tasks according to your most-used programs and actions. Wave for Work works wonders!

Although specifically designed for remote workers, Wave for Work can also be a perfect companion for anyone who wishes to bring their workflow to the tip of their fingers. The Wave for Work smart ring costs $99. The ring is a successor to Genki Instruments’ Wave MIDI controller ring designed for music producers, DJs, musicians, and more. Learn more about it in this Wave by Genki Review.

Get Wave for Work!

Which Is the Best Smart Ring?

To wrap this up, the smart ring market is booming with incredible products for any purpose. We still have a long way to go when it comes to technology. But moving forward, we can expect that more companies will jump on the bandwagon, and more smart rings will see the light of day that will take our breath away.

Remember, some smart rings have multiple functionalities. If you’re sitting on the fence about which one fits you best or which one you need, be sure to check out the Ultimate Smart Ring Buyer’s Guide to help you make an informed decision.

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post 10 Best Smart Rings You Can Get in 2024 first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Near-field communication technology or NFC is a wireless technology commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, among others. It’s a type of radio frequency identification (RFID), but unlike the latter, NFC is limited to an extremely short range, usually about an inch. When incorporated with smart rings, NFC becomes extremely powerful with several use cases.

NFC rings can be used for sharing and transferring data, making purchases, controlling apps, switching on/off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or unlocking doors. When it comes to security, it’s difficult for malicious threats to interfere with data transfers, making NFC smart rings safer than Bluetooth and other wireless technologies.

NFC rings typically don’t need a battery, hence they are also called passive smart rings. But their lifeline is also shorter, typically 2-3 years, compared to other smart rings.

ALSO READ: CAN A SMART RING REPLACE YOUR APPLE WATCH?

What Do You Use NFC Rings for?

NFC has a lot of use cases. With NFC smart rings, you can use them in different ways.

Contactless Payments

You’ve probably used the tap-to-pay with your credit or debit card at one point. This payment method is possible because of NFC and the same method is used with NFC rings for contactless payment. You just move your ring an inch closer to the POS terminal to initiate payments. Some examples of contactless payment rings include the UK’s McLear RingPay 2, Japan’s Evering, and India’s 7 Ring.

ALSO READ: DO SMART RINGS TRACK SLEEP?

Keyless Access

Whether it’s for public transit, home/office access, or car access, some NFC rings are designed for these specific uses. Cnick Tesla Smart Ring, Colmo Tesla Smart Ring, and Kimiss Car Smart Key are examples of NFC rings for car access. Hecere NFC Ring and Jakcom R5 Ring are examples of keyless access rings.

Learn more about the most common use cases of NFC smart rings.

ALSO READ: DO SMART RINGS MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE?

Best Smart Rings You Can Buy Now

If you are looking for smart rings, here are our top picks from the market:

ALSO READ: WHAT ARE SMART RINGS? HOW DO THEY WORK?

If you want to explore more smart rings, check out these guides:

• Best Smart Rings You Can Buy Now
• Best Smart Rings for Payment
• Best Sleep Tracking Rings

Got questions about smart rings? Drop them in the comments. We will get back to you!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post What Is NFC Smart Ring? How Do You Use NFC Ring? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

India is finally having its first-ever contactless payment ring through the 7 Ring, an NFC smart ring developed by Mumbai-based consumer electronic startup Seven. If you are wondering where to buy or how to use the 7 Ring, here’s everything you need to know about the device.

7 Ring Specs and Features

The 7 Ring is the latest addition to the contactless payment ring market. The UK’s Mclear RingPay 2 and Japan’s Evering are two of the most popular contactless payment rings available.

With this smart ring, you don’t have to carry your credit or debit card with you as it enables you to pay at the payment counter as it is. To use the 7 Ring, place your knuckle 4 centimeters parallel to the POS terminal. 

The ring works using near-field communication (NFC) technology, a type of RFID technology that only works when two NFC-enabled devices are close together. NFC is the same technology when you tap to pay with your debit or credit card.

ALSO READ: 5 BEST SMART RINGS FOR PAYMENT

In terms of security, the 7 Ring is EMVco certified. In addition, it has the same EAL5+ secure element used in payment methods such as debit and credit cards. Any accidental purchases are not possible. Also, it can only be used in offline POS payments, so using it for online purchases is not possible either.

In addition, a two-factor authentication PIN is required for purchases above 5,000 INR. Thin PIN can be set through the mobile app. The smart ring has a default 10,000 INR monthly transaction limit that you can modify through the app. Your monthly transaction limit can be upgraded up to 2,000,000 INR.

Through its mobile app, you can see your transaction history, including how much you paid to the merchant and how much you topped up to your ring. You don’t need to register your bank account or credit or debit card on the app. This is much safer because your bank credentials are not exposed.

The smart ring is made of hypoallergenic zirconia ceramic material, which is common among NFC rings. This material is durable enough for everyday use. It’s slender and lightweight enough to be used comfortably on a daily basis. It is certified to IP68 standards, which means it’s dustproof and waterproof.

ALSO READ: 5 BEST SMARTWATCHES FOR SLEEP TRACKING

7 Ring Pricing and Availability

Currently, the 7 Ring is available to a select audience in India and can only be used within the country. It costs 7,000 INR and is available in 7 sizes. The ring can be used for 55 months.

GET OMATE ICE RING HERE!

If you want to explore more smart rings, check out these guides:

• Best Smart Rings You Can Buy Now
• Best Smart Rings for Payment
• Best Sleep Tracking Rings

Got questions about smart rings? Drop them in the comments. We will get back to you!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post 7 Ring Contactless Payment Ring Specs, Features, Pricing, and Availability first appeared on Smart Ring News.

One of the biggest concerns about using any electronic devices is security. Smart rings are not an exception. However, one thing that smart rings edge out their counterparts is security.

Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and others depend on passwords and PINs. While these are secure methods, they are much easier to steal, which is why they are prone to phishing and hacking. In fact, more than 5 billion passwords have been stolen worldwide since 2016.

Centralized password databases are easy to break into and, therefore are an easy attack surface for hackers to steal credentials. But it’s not just a consumer issue. Even companies are facing the same concern in hopes of protecting their customers and subsequently not to lose business.

ALSO READ: CAN YOU PAY WITH SMART RING?

But what makes smart rings better? When it comes to contactless payment smart rings, you might wonder how your bank account or credit or debit card details are used. This is where smart rings shine in terms of security.

Smart rings use NFC or near-field communication to transmit data (authentication key, contact information, etc.) from the ring to the payment terminal. It’s pretty much like using your credit or debit card’s NFC chip at the counter—you tap your smart ring and voila!

What makes NFC more secure is that it transmits between two devices over a short distance, just a few centimeters as a matter of fact. Therefore, no other mechanism is placed between your smart ring and the payment terminal, for example, to tamper with the data transmission process.

ALSO READ: HOW MUCH DOES A SMART RING COST?

The same goes for smart rings that act as a key to doors and cars. Instead of using a fingerprint, which can be easily interfered with and copied, the smart ring is used by one person only.

Nevertheless, data hijacking is still possible with NFC-connected devices, such as data corruption through the maker’s databases and lost or stolen smartphones where your ring is connected.

ALSO READ: WHAT ARE SMART RINGS? HOW DO THEY WORK?

Best Smart Rings You Can Buy Now

If you are looking for smart rings, here are our top picks from the market:

ALSO READ: WHY IS A SMART RING BETTER THAN A SMARTWATCH?

If you want to explore more smart rings, check out these guides:

• Best Smart Rings You Can Buy Now
• Best Smart Rings for Payment
• Best Sleep Tracking Rings

Got questions about smart rings? Drop them in the comments. We will get back to you!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post Are Smart Rings Secure? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

The Tapster Ring is one of few contactless payment smart rings on the market, joining the likes of the UK’s McLear RingPay, France’s Aeklys One, and Japan’s Evering. Developed by Stockholm-based wearable tech firm Tapster, the smart ring enables you to pay without using your smartphone or physical card. Here’s everything you need to know about the Tapster Ring:

Tapster Specs and Features

Introduced in November 2021, the Tapster Ring is just one of its range of wearable devices. Aside from the ring, Tapster also offers key rings and watches—all capable of contactless payments.

How does the Tapster Ring work? The Tapster Ring works pretty much like any tap-to-pay method at POS terminals using your credit or debit card. The ring uses an NFC chip and antenna to communicate with payment terminals. Like any payment card, the Tapster Ring is bound by limits. Be sure to check your account for limits.

ALSO READ: OURA RING GEN 3 VS. SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 6: IS OURA BETTER THAN SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH?

Contactless payments mean you don’t need to bring your wallet or your credit or debit card with you since your data is already stored in the ring. Is the Tapster Ring safe to use? Yes, NFC is much safer than Bluetooth for transferring data, and this includes payment credentials. In addition, Tapster uses anti-fraud mechanisms to protect your data.

Fidesmo Pay integrates the Tapster Ring. If you are based in the United Kingdom and the EU, your Visa or MasterCard cards are most likely supported. To confirm whether your bank is supported, check out the list of supported banks.

ALSO READ: FITBIT VERSA 4 REVIEW: IS IT WORTH BUYING?

To set up the Tapster Ring, download the Tapster app for iOS or Android, which your mobile device supports. On the app, you can add your Visa or MasterCard accounts. To use the Tapster Ring, make a knuckle fist and make sure to tap the ring facing the terminal.

The Tapster Ring is a passive smart ring, which means it has no battery, so you don’t have to charge it, and it does not require Bluetooth or an internet connection to use its full capacity. 

The material used for the ring is ceramic and wood—both are hypoallergenic, and you can choose yours depending on your style. Either way, the Tapster Ring is scratch-resistant, heat-proof, and water-proof.

ALSO READ: SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH 6 REVIEW: IS IT GOOD FOR WORKING OUT?

Tapster Pricing and Availability

Tapster Ring costs €99 (~$105). Sizes available are 6-15mm. The ceramic variants are available in graphite, onyx, ivory, ivory matte, ocean, and ocean matte colors. Meanwhile, the wood variants are available in redwood, teak, and ebony.

Get Tapster Ring here!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The post Tapster Ring: Everything You Need to Know About This Contactless Payment Ring first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Who is CNICK?

CNICK is an experienced hardware company producing and designing wearable electronics such as smart rings and bracelets. CNICK was founded in 2016 and the team is located in Tbilisi, in the country of Georgia, Europe. 

CNICK rings are made from eco-friendly, exotic woods and stone inlays. All CNICK smart rings are waterproof and biodegradable and they never need charging. CNICK’s smart rings are also fully customizable since the company produces their handcrafted products in-house at their facilities. 

Currently, CNICK offers rings and bracelets with an NFC-based contactless Tesla smart key and payment functionalities.

Tesla Ring 

CNICK’s Tesla Ring gives its user two main functionalities. It is a smart key for Tesla cars that works all over the world and contactless payment device for purchasing things in retail stores and kiosks in 32 European countries. You can get the ring with the Tesla smart key functionality only or with both functionalities, the Tesla smart key + contactless payment. Here’s a rundown of both sides. 

Tesla Smart Key Ring 

You can use Tesla Ring as a smart key to unlock your Tesla car with a single, gentle tap on the front door. You can also use the ring  as a contactless payment device in Europe. So, even if you don’t own a Tesla car, you can still use the payment functionality.

CNICK Tesla Smart Ring Accessories: Ceramic Ring for Model...

$119.99

Buy on Amazon

How does it work?

Tesla Ring uses the standard NFC (near field communication) technology. It is a passive device, i.e., the electric energy required for the ring to work is induced from the car’s smart lock system when the ring is placed within a few centimeters distance from the lock. So, Tesla Ring doesn’t need charging ever. Here you can learn more about NFC-enabled rings and technologies.

Tesla Ring works with Tesla Model 3 and Model Y and those Model S and Model X cars manufactured in 2021 and after. 

How to Set up Tesla Ring? 

Using the Tesla Ring is as easy and intuitive as using the Tesla car itself. First you need to activate the ring as a key for your Tesla car. The procedure is very simple, just like adding any Tesla keycard: go to the locks menu of the car, press the little plus icon, and follow the instructions thereafter.

How to Use Tesla Ring? 

Opening the door with a Tesla Ring happens simply by gently touching the glass at the rear end (B pillar) of the front door, just under the driver side camera, with your knuckles. The only thing you have to pay a little attention to is your hand position. The antenna of the ring works best if you tap the door with the knuckles of your fingers, not with the ring itself. The “how it works” video gives you a full introduction.

Contactless Payments

The contactless payment side of the ring connects your credit and debit cards and your CNICK payment ring through the Fidesmo Pay system, simplifying the way you purchase while fulfilling the international security standards to protect your money. The ring uses standard NFC technology to perform secure payment transactions when the ring is placed near (a few centimeters away from) a contactless card reader at a retail store or kiosk. CNICK rings are approved by Mastercard and the payment functionalities are available in 32 European countries. See the list of banks partnering with CNICK. 

STUDY: Contactless Payment Ring is the Most Popular Wearable for Paying

Security 

Security is crucial for contactless payment devices and smart keys, such as CNICK’s Tesla Ring. If compromised, a poorly protected device can cost you your savings or car! The CNICK Tesla Ring is built on the same type of integrated circuit that is used on Tesla’s smart card key. The ring also contains the official Tesla applet, which is required for it to function with Tesla cars safely. In principle, you could use also other NFC smart rings with your Tesla, but it is recommended to use well-known, tested, and validated products such as CNICK’s Tesla ring for security reasons. 

Materials 

Tesla Ring is made of wood just like the other CNICK rings. According to CNICK, they are not milled from wood blanks but circularly bending high-quality wood strips and applying a waterproof surface coating. This makes the ring more durable and comfortable to wear. 

According to CNICK, it’s almost impossible to break their ring by dropping or gripping. However, the company recommends avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, lifting heavy weight, or operating machinery while wearing it. It is important to maintain the ring’s coating in good condition to not let water penetrate inside the wooden embodiment. The Tesla Ring does withstand shower, hand wash, and swimming, but it is recommended to take it off during washing dishes, for example.

Pricing 

Tesla Ring pricing starts from $119, regardless of whether you want the Tesla smart key only version, or the smart key and payment version. The price is slightly higher compared to many other NFC payment rings out there. However, CNICK’s design is superior compared to any other payment ring we’ve seen, and, additionally, you get a smart key for Tesla! So, considering its multi-use function, gorgeous design, customization possibilities, and contactless payments support in 32 European countries, Tesla Ring is clearly worth the price! 

Should you buy it? Definitely yes, if you are a Tesla owner. If you don’t have a Tesla car, CNICK’s smart ring is still a good investment thanks to its broad banking coverage in Europe, cool design, and customization! 

If you want the Tesla smart key only version, check out all the rings and bracelets here! 

If you want the Tesla smart key + payment version, check out all rings & bracelets here!

The post Tesla Ring Review: A Smart Tesla Key and Contactless Payments on the Same Finger first appeared on Smart Ring News.

What does the PAGO payment ring do?

The PAGO is a contactless payment ring developed by the German startup PAGOPACE. The smart wearable eliminates the need to fumble for your credit card at the checkout, allowing you to pay on the go by simply holding your hand in front of the payment terminal. 

How does paying with PAGO work?

Like most credit cards, the smart payment ring contains a passive payment chip that uses NFC technology to transfer the users’ payment data quickly and securely. This means the NFC smart ring works without any power supply. To the payment terminal, the PAGO appears like an ordinary credit card and can therefore be used in any store that accepts credit cards worldwide. NFC technology is designed to exclusively work within a limited distance, ensuring that only intended payments are transmitted from the PAGO to the terminal. In tests, the PAGO ring worked reliably at NFC-enabled credit card terminals in various stores, triggering a payment only when held close to the terminal at a certain angle with a clenched fist. For payments under 50 €, no PIN entry or even touching the terminal is required, ensuring hygienic, contactless payment. For higher payments, a PIN is required and you can set it up in the VIMpay app. As security is commonly considered the most important attribute of contactless payment applications, PAGOPACE has had its smart rings certified by MasterCard and Visa to fulfill the highest security standards.

RELATED: Top 10 Countries for Contactless Payments

How to get started with the PAGO payment ring 

The ring works with a virtual MasterCard powered by the VIMpay app for iOS and Android. Therefore, creating a free VIMpay account with a virtual debit MasterCard is required to use the contactless payment gadget. The PAGOPACE team connects each ring to their customer’s credit card before shipping. Once delivered, the VIMpay account can be topped up via bank transfer and the desired amount can then be sent to the debit card-based ring using the VIMpay app, enabled by PAGOPACE’s partnership with Fidesmo Pay. This process might seem complex, but a field test showed that it is completed within a minute using express bank transfer. In case of loss, the money transferred to the PAGO can be rebooked to the VIMpay account within seconds if the phone is connected to the internet.

Materials and usability 

A ceramic shell protects the technology from any external damage, ensuring high durability and long-life functioning. Ceramics are well-known for their resistance to water, heat, and scratch. The durability of this material is also evident in everyday life – just think of the fact that even dental implants, which are heavily exposed to all sorts of influences on a daily basis, are made of ceramics.
 In everyday life, the PAGO has proven itself as a useful gadget in different situations. Thanks to its saltwater resistance, a swim in the sea can be enjoyed without worrying about leaving your money on the shore. Even when the contactless payment ring was exposed to sweat and sports equipment during an intense workout session, these activities neither impacted the payment function nor left any scratches on the piece of jewelry.

SURVEY: Contactless Payment Ring is the Most Popular Wearable for Paying

Availability, Sizing, Design

Currently, the PAGO ring is available for purchase in Germany and Switzerland for 89 € or 104 CHF and for now is only compatible with a virtual MasterCard from VIMpay (DE) or CEMBRA (CH). Customers can choose between five different designs: black, white, pink, blue, and black matte, as well as eight sizes ranging from US 6 to US 13. If in doubt about the size, a starter kit can be ordered without premium. This kit includes a ring sizer. It is even possible to batch the same credit card onto different rings for those who can’t decide on one color.

The Verdict 

The wide acceptance of credit card payment combined with the technical quality of the device itself makes the PAGO convenient and safe to use for vacations, sports, sauna visits, nightlife, events, or spontaneous purchases on the go. The certification by MasterCard and Visa especially provides the user with a feeling of security. On top of that, paying with a PAGO is guaranteed to attract curious glances at the cash register. However, the use of PAGO currently is still limited to VIMpay credit cards, but PAGOPACE is working on collaborating with further partners to offer users more options and simplify the setup process.

The post Reviewing PAGOPACE – The First Contactless Payment Ring Made in Germany first appeared on Smart Ring News.

What is the Aeklys One smart ring?

Whereas its predecessor, the Aeklys by Starck smart ring, which provides you with several functionalities, including a smart public transit pass, digital business card, and smart key, Aeklys One, as the name suggests, only gives you one thing — and that’s contactless payments. With it, you will no longer take out your wallet, phone, or card. All you need to do is hold out your hand at the point of sale to use it. The smart ring works free of charge anywhere in the world on all contactless payment terminals.

Innovative sizing app

Aeklys One could be the world’s most innovative contactless payment ring. Its innovation starts already before you get to stick it on your finger – from how the product is ordered and measured via their online shop.

One of the biggest frictions in buying smart rings online is sizing. Typically most smart ring vendors offer you to order a sizing kit with plastic replicas. After waiting for the kit to arrive and testing the correct size, you can order the ring. And, after waiting some more, you will get what you ordered.

Aeklys, in my opinion, takes a bold, calculated risk and fuels the online buying process with a ring sizing mobile app! At the beginning of the buying process on their webshop, after the initial registration, you will receive an SMS on your mobile asking you to download the Aeklys mobile app. After downloading and starting the app, it fires a digital ring sizing feature.

Honestly, by the very first sight, the sizing app screen looked slightly strange, a bit difficult to catch what to do. However, after a few moments of pondering and trial and error, I got the idea of how sizing should be done. Eventually, I managed to measure my ring size (68), and it was a perfect fit for my index finger!

So, I think Aeklys’ sizing app is a truly innovative way to remove friction from the buying process. It worked for me at the trial. I cannot say it will work for every customer for the first time, but compared to waiting for shipping sizing kits, Aeklys’ sizing app is smart and functioning.

Design

This ring is neither a perfect circle in geometrical terms nor the crosscut of your index finger circular. Philipp Starck, the designer of the ring, got this one right! Aeklys One is designed to be more like a heavily rounded, elliptical triangle, and it perfectly sits and fits on an index finger (at least mine). If a ring can be ergonomic, this one is. The ring’s shape works like a charm all the way when sliding the ring through your finger, and it managed the big bulky joint with ease before firmly sitting on my finger.

Aeklys One is super light, too. Ok, all smart rings are light, but this one is feather-light. Benefit? Maybe limited. But it feels nice to wear.

The material feels and looks more plastic than some competing contactless payment rings made of zirconia, which gives them a more elegant ceramic feeling. However, with Aeklys One, that “plastic-y” feel is not a problem. The surface is partly glossy and partly matte. That gives the ring a modern, friendly, functional, and smart look.

Button

Aeklys One features a tiny bump on its surface. That is a button to confirm payments, giving extra safety and control. Especially because the bump is placed at an optimal location, easily and quickly reachable with your thumb.

Smartphone App

All smart rings we have used, tested, and reviewed come with a mobile app. So does Aeklys. However, its app differs from the crowd in one way. Normally other apps are used for controlling the ring and viewing information, such as biometric data. Aeklys app starts to provide value before you even have the ring – from measuring and ordering the correct ring size.

Otherwise, the app user interface follows the same stylish, minimalistic look and feels like the whole world around Aeklys. It is easy to use, and you can do everything there.

Authentication before activation

Once you have received your Aeklys One ring and take it into use, the app asks you to authenticate. For this process, you will need an official ID such as a passport and some document that proves your permanent residence address (e.g., utility bill). You must photograph the documents, answer a few questions, and within 48 hours, you should get validation. All this happens pretty smoothly in the Aeklys app.

Security

Aeklys One boasts several security features. These include the proprietary anti-fraud system, accessible through the ring’s side button, and an anti-theft system, which can deactivate the ring right from the app. Aeklys One’s anti-fraud system called Wave Control is designed to prevent any undesired transactions and fraud risks. But you need to keep the button pressed while making a payment. Otherwise, it won’t work.

Meanwhile, the anti-theft system’s purpose is to prevent your ring from being and curb unauthorized payments. You can deactivate the ring from your app and reactivate it instantly from a distance. When someone uses your ring to make a payment, it will be denied, and you will get a push notification about it.

In terms of software security, Aeklys One has been EAL6+ certified by the ANSSI (French National Cybersecurity Agency). This means that the ring uses operating system security that has been approved to protect high-value assets, that is, your banking information.

RELATED: Smart Ring Security – Can it help us to stop password hacking and phishing?

Paying with Aeklys One

Paying with Aeklys One contactless payment ring

Paying with Aeklys One is straightforward. However, compared to other contactless payment rings, there are two main differences.

Firstly, Aeklys One has got one additional step in the paying process. You have to pay the button with your thumb to confirm. Other rings confirm the payment as soon as the ring is close enough to the payment terminal. Although it takes a little extra effort to push the button, you might appreciate the extra safety.

Secondly, Aeklys One allows you to pay with a flat palm finger straightened out, whereas with all other payment rings we have tested, you have to do a fist pump on the payment terminal. Which one is better? I would say it depends on how the payment terminal is placed. Sometimes flat palm is more convenient, sometimes fist pump could be easier.

It took a bit of trial and error to place Aeklys One correctly above the terminal, but there were no problems once I learned the trick.

You can pay amounts up to the local contactless payment limit – 50€ in Finland. Aeklys One provides you a PIN code that allows paying purchases above the contactless limit while traveling abroad. I didn’t get to test this because this feature is not yet available in the UK, France, and Finland. You can disable and enable payment easily via the app for safety reasons.

After payment, the app shows you all the details.

Credit upload

With Aeklys, you have to upload credits before you can pay. Two ways:

– Standard. Make standard bank transfer (minimum 10€) to Aeklys IBAN bank account. It is free and takes roughly 2-5 days to see the funds available.

– Express. Credit card transaction (minimum of 50€). Funds are available instantly. 2% fee.

RELATED: Top 10 countries for contactless payment wearables

Aeklys One Test Report

Purposefulness

Stars 1-5 – What can you do with the ring in your everyday life? How does it help? Does it fulfil a real purpose? Is there really a need for this device?

Verdict – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aeklys One is a payment-only ring. It is a limitation when compared to many other payment rings, which also allow for contactless transit passes, smart keys, and more. Also, the other Aeklys smart ring model provides you with these extended features. So, if you buy Aeklys One for payments, it fulfills its purpose perfectly. If you want more features, this one is probably not your device. Still, 4 stars is justified because payment is still the #1 use-case for these devices, and Aeklys One has no problems doing that job for you.

User experience + Design  

Stars 1-5 – How does the ring look and feel? How robust is the design? How easy/difficult is it to use the ring and the app?

Verdict – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a hard judgment. Visually, Aeklys One looks great. Ergonomically, it is hands down the best smart ring I have ever worn. The ergonomic design makes Aeklys One a perfect companion for all kinds of sports – it fits snugly on your index finger while running, biking, and even at the gym. It is light as a feather. You can forget your wallet and still buy a bottle of ice-cold water during long endurance exercise.

The smartphone app’s look and feel are minimalistic, while usability is good. The app allows you to do everything you need to do with it. A big plus for handling sizing and ordering on the app.

Functionalities + Tech

Stars 1-5 – Listing down the functionalities and tech spec. Does the ring function as promised. Does the tech like Bluetooth, HRV sensor, and others work?

Verdict – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a payment-only ring, that could be considered a functional limitation compared to many other payment rings that allow contactless transit passes, smart keys, and more. Also, the other Aeklys smart ring model (Aeklys by Starck) provides you with these extended features. But, if you consider Aeklys One a payment-only ring, then that’s fine. No nagging about missing features. There are simply no missing features!  

Otherwise, Aeklys One’s functionalities and tech worked fine throughout the test period. One small minus point – it took some time to learn how to place the ring on the terminals and press the button to get payments through. Pressing the button with thumb requires some pressure. But that’s understandable – it is there to avoid accidental payments.

App + Ecosystem

Stars 1-5 – Does the ring come with an app? What does it do? Is it useful? Does the ring or app provide third-party support for Apple Health, MasterCard payments, banking, and the like?

Verdict – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What does a contactless payment user need from the smart ring ecosystem? An easy way to upload credits using (e.g., Mastercard) and geographical coverage wherever you may roam. Aeklys One is backed by uploads via Mastercard credit card transfer and direct bank transfer, which is a good standard level, similar to most contactless payment devices.

Aeklys One works on all contactless payment terminals that accept MasterCard. This practically means global support for the users.

Overall  

Verdict – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aeklys One costs you only 49€ and gives just one feature – contactless payments. But it does it with style. The ergonomic design is perhaps its coolest feature. It is easy to order because of the digital sizing app. Looking at value for money, it’s a no-brainer to give it 4 stars. Overall, Aeklys One is one of the best smart rings for contactless payments. There are a few options out there that are more versatile than Aeklys One. But one thing is sure, Aeklys One is the best wearable you’ll get for 49€.

SURVEY: Contactless payment ring is the most popular wearable for paying

The post Aeklys One Test – Our Verdict After Using it for 30 Days first appeared on Smart Ring News.

The Evering uses NFC to work with Visa’s payWave technology at any payment terminals. It is exclusively offered for credit card users in Japan at the moment. The smart ring does not work with debit cards and prepaid cards. Nevertheless, the ring will soon be used to lock and unlock doors.

The ring comes with a mobile app that users can use to link their credit cards regardless of the brand, whether it’s Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, or Diners, as long as the card is issued in Japan. If the user loses the ring, they can disable it through the app, so it won’t be used without permission.

Unlike the traditional method of swiping payment cards, the Evering can work without keying a PIN number. The user only needs to tap or hover the ring over the Visa payWave-enabled POS terminal and wait for the transaction to go through. But like most NFC-based payments, there is a floor limit, which is up to 120,000 yen (around US$ 1,000) every month.

Like credit and debit cards, Evering’s payment function has an expiration date, which is 4 years. Once renewed, the user will be allowed to use the ring again for payments. Each ring’s lifetime will only be allowed up to 1 million yen (around US$ 9,100). Once used up within the expiration date, users will receive a new Evering.

The Evering is made of non-allergenic zirconia ceramic. It’s waterproof and slim enough to look like a regular smart ring. As a passive NFC smart ring, the Evering does not require charging at all. It works 24/7 without a power supply. Sizes range from 4.5 to 13 (US). The ring is available in black color only.

Evering is available for pre-order to qualified customers in Japan. Price starts at￥19,800 / $180 / €147. Shipping is expected to start by September 2021.

More smart rings for contactless payments – Comparison of Five top products

The post Evering smart ring is Japan’s first one-stop digital wallet first appeared on Smart Ring News.