Pure Cycles, the corporate behind a controversial FDA-cleared contraception app, is changing its thermometer with a wristband that measures pores and skin temperature, coronary heart fee, and motion throughout sleep. The newly launched wristband prices $129.99 and syncs with the Pure Cycles app, which makes use of an algorithm to find out an individual’s “every day fertility standing.”
Customers can already observe their fertility by pairing an Apple Watch or Oura Ring with Pure Cycles, however the wristband might be an choice for customers who don’t have both of those units helpful. Whereas Pure Cycles additionally works with newer Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and the Galaxy Ring, it’s meant for temperature-based period and cycle tracking when used with these units — not as a method to stop or plan being pregnant.
Pure Cycles initially supplied a basal thermometer with its annual plan (or obtainable individually for $14.50) so customers may take their temperatures manually. Pure Cycles spokesperson Lauren Hanafin tells The Verge that customers can proceed utilizing the thermometer in the event that they at present have one. The FDA later gave Pure Cycles approval to gather knowledge from third-party units, like the Apple Watch and the Oura Ring. Hanafin says the corporate acquired authorization from the FDA to begin utilizing different temperature-tracking wearables with out requiring extra approval, permitting it to launch the brand new wristband.
Privateness issues associated to period-tracking apps grew following the Supreme Court docket’s determination to overturn Roe v. Wade, however the Electronic Frontier Foundation notes that whereas customers ought to assessment the safety and privateness protections of the app they select, they aren’t an “rapid menace” to abortion-seekers. Pure Cycles says it uses pseudonymization and encryption to hide your data, whereas its band solely collects knowledge that’s “needed.”
Pure Cycles first launched its wristband to “choose” folks as a part of the launch of its perimenopause characteristic in October. The band helps Bluetooth 5.0 LE and provides a battery lifetime of as much as 14 nights after it’s totally charged by way of USB-C.
The Pure Cycles Band is accessible for buy for $129.99, and can also be included with the corporate’s annual plan for $149.99. Customers who have already got a Pure Cycles subscription can improve to the band for $99.99 for a restricted time.
Replace, January sixteenth: Added Swedish regulator response.
