Amazfit's Helio Ring is getting firmware 2.9.0.1, its first big update since January. Gadgets & Wearables reported that it's rolling out now, in stages, through the Zepp app.
HybridCharge now replaces the ring's older Readiness score, the same switch most recent Amazfit watches have already made. HybridCharge blends three things Zepp Health already tracks: BioCharge, Training Load and LifeLoad. So the number takes in recovery and exercise, plus some of the strain that builds up outside workouts. After the update, owners should see the new status graphs in the Zepp app.
The Helio Ring spends most of its time logging recovery data, which is exactly what HybridCharge feeds on.
Automatic heart rate monitoring is now on by default, with the shortest gap between readings set at 10 minutes. Automatic stress monitoring is on by default too, and the ring can now take a stress reading every five minutes. That gives the app far more data across a day. The update also brings another tweak to heart rate accuracy.
Zepp Health hasn't said what the new defaults do to battery life. More readings usually cost some power, and the Helio Ring carries a much smaller cell than a smartwatch.
The last major update, version 2.7.0.2 in January, worked on sleep tracking, heart rate accuracy and battery use overnight. In the ten months since, the company's visible attention has gone to the Helio Strap family.
If you own a Helio Ring, check System Update in the Zepp app over the next few days. If battery life matters more to you than extra readings, keep an eye on it after you install, since the new monitoring defaults switch on by themselves.