Natural Cycles launches a wristband to replace thermometers for FDA-approved birth control app

Natural Cycles, the company behind the controversial FDA-approved birth control app, is replacing its thermometer with a wristband that measures skin temperature, heart rate and movement during sleep. the Newly launched wristband It costs $129.99 and syncs with the Natural Cycles app, which uses an algorithm to determine a person’s “daily fertility status.”

Users can already track their fertility by pairing their Apple Watch or Oura Ring with Natural Cycles, but a wristband could be an option for users who don’t have either of those devices on hand. While natural cycles also work with newer ones Samsung Galaxy Smart watches and Galaxy ringthat it Customized for temperature-based period and cycle tracking When used with these devices — not as a contraceptive or planning method.

Natural courses offered initially Basal thermometer With its annual plan (or available separately for $14.50) so users can take temperatures manually. says Natural Cycles spokesperson Lauren Hanafin Edge That users can continue to use the thermometer if they currently have one. The FDA later granted Natural Cycles approval to collect data from third-party devices. Like an Apple Watch and Oura ring. Hanafin says the company has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin using other wearable devices to track temperature without needing additional approval, allowing it to launch the new wristband.

Privacy concerns related to menstrual tracking apps have increased following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the order Roe v. Wadebut Electronic Frontier Foundation He points out that although users should review the security and privacy protections of their app of choice, they do not pose an “immediate threat” to abortion seekers. Natural cycles It says it uses pseudonymization and encryption To hide your information, while its domain collects only “necessary” data.

Natural Cycles debuted its ‘select’ wristband for people as part of the launch of its perimenopause feature in October. The band supports Bluetooth 5.0 LE, and offers up to 14 nights of battery life after being fully charged via USB-C.

The Natural Cycles Belt is available for purchase for $129.99, and is also included in the company’s annual plan for $149.99. Users who already have a Natural Cycles subscription can upgrade to the range for $99.99 for a limited time.