Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Ring at Unpacked 2024, stepping into the world of smart rings. While smartwatches have been ruling the wearable scene, Samsung seems eager to shake things up.
Details about the Galaxy Ring were scarce during the event, but Samsung hinted that it’s designed to help people manage their health. According to Samsung spokesperson Amber Reaver, the ring will have advanced sensors for accurate health tracking and will be comfortable to wear 24/7. The buzz around it makes it sound a lot like the famous Oura Ring.
Acknowledging the competition, Oura CEO Tom Hale sees it as validation for the smart ring category. Being a tech heavyweight, Samsung brings a different level of competition compared to smaller players entering the ring.
With new features released regularly, Oura has the strongest IP portfolio — in both hardware and software — for the smart ring form factor, with 100 granted patents, 270 pending patent applications, and 130+ registered trademarks. New players entering the space is validation for the category and drives us to aim higher to serve our members and community.
Oura CEO Tom Hale sent this unprompted statement to The Verge
Smart rings offer an alternative to bulkier smartwatches with their discreet design and suitability for sleep tracking. With Apple dominating the smartwatch market, Samsung’s venture into a newer form factor seems like a smart move, especially with a major player like Oura in the picture.
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Analyst Avi Greengart, who got a sneak peek, described the Galaxy Ring as light, with various finishes and sizes, set to hit the market later this year. There’s speculation about it becoming an accessory for the Galaxy Watch, creating a bundled deal for users.
During Unpacked, Dr. Matthew Wiggins from Samsung Research highlighted the Galaxy Ring’s potential as a health and wellness device, with sensors hinting at features like blood oxygen monitoring and stress tracking. The teaser video even hinted at contactless payments, smart home controls, and potential augmented reality applications.
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Entering a competitive market alongside Oura, Samsung’s brand and the powerful Galaxy AI platform give it an edge. The possibility of seamless integration with existing Galaxy devices and apps, along with Samsung’s experience in health technology, positions the Galaxy Ring as a potential game-changer.
While specifics like battery life and pricing are still a mystery, the Galaxy Ring represents a bold step for Samsung into a new wearable category. The buzz around it is real, and tech enthusiasts eagerly await Samsung to reveal more about this intriguing device. The Galaxy Ring’s introduction showcases Samsung’s commitment to innovation and a vision for a future where technology seamlessly enhances our health and well-being.
