This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:09:33
Jeff from iFixit conducts a detailed teardown of the Oura Ring 2, a popular wellness device used for monitoring vital signs and sleep patterns, and notable for its use by NBA players for early COVID-19 detection. The teardown process reveals the ring's robust, waterproof design, making disassembly challenging. Jeff employs various tools, including a vise, X-Acto knife, and Halberd spudger, to carefully separate the device's layers without damaging internal components. Key components identified include a small Grepow battery, infrared LEDs, pulse oximetry receiver, accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature sensor, Cypress PSoC 6 microcontroller, and Texas Instruments battery management chip. The ring is encased in hypoallergenic resin and features a wireless charging system. Ultimately, Jeff concludes the ring is likely designed to be disposable post battery life, reflecting a lower repairability score. He invites viewers to share additional insights before concluding the video.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Jeff from iFixit begins the teardown of the Oura Ring 2, a small wellness device known for monitoring vital signs and sleep patterns. He mentions its use in early detection of COVID-19 by NBA players and its interest among biohacking enthusiasts. Jeff notes the ring’s durability and waterproof nature, making the teardown challenging. He hypothesizes about the ring’s internal components and uses an X-ray image for guidance. Initial attempts with a vise to deform the ring and apply heat to separate its layers are unsuccessful. Jeff then decides to get more destructive, opting to use an X-Acto knife to penetrate a gap in the circuit board.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter continues working on a small device, attempting to cut through its resin coating using a razor, despite it being their least favorite tool. They make visible progress, creating a groove in the ring and discussing the process of cutting through the outer epoxy layer. The presenter notes that a combination of cutting and heat has started to separate the circuit board. They then use an alcohol bath to further the process, while inviting feedback from jewelers.
Next, they use a Halberd spudger, a softer tool, instead of a more destructive X-Acto knife, to prevent damage. Despite some deformation of the device, it remains largely intact with no torn ribbon cables. They identify a delicate component which turns out to be the battery label, revealing a small 3.7-volt battery manufactured by Grepow in Shenzhen.
00:06:00
In this segment, the presenter examines a smart ring, noting that its battery, commonly found in drones or RC cars, is slightly thicker than the circuit board and fits under a squared-off hump for more volume. The entire device is encased in hypoallergenic, waterproof resin, complicating the disassembly. Using a heat gun, the circuit board can be slightly flattened out. The transparent resin allows for observation: the ring includes infrared LEDs and a receiver for pulse oximetry, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a temperature sensor. On the hidden side are a Cypress PSoC 6 microcontroller, a Texas Instruments battery management chip, and several unmarked chips. The battery charges via an inductive coil under the battery wirelessly when close to a charging dock. The device is not designed for service, with no moving parts and a protective titanium shell, indicating a low repairability score, mainly only requiring potential battery service.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker concludes that the product in question is likely disposable, especially when the battery begins to fail. They mention they have reached the limit of their knowledge on the subject and humorously note that they can’t proceed further due to a lack of sulfuric acid. The speaker invites viewers to share any additional insights in the comments and thanks them for watching before signing off.