Samsung has made a groundbreaking move in the tech world by releasing the first ever smart ring. The Galaxy Ring, part of Samsung’s latest wearable technology, was unveiled on Tuesday alongside the new Galaxy Watch Ultra. Priced at £400, the ring boasts impressive features such as tracking sleep, movement, periods, and heart rate. It is set to hit the market later this month and has a battery life of up to seven days, making it a practical and long-lasting device for users.
Designed to be worn 24 hours a day, the Galaxy Ring aims to help users keep track of their health stats throughout the day, including while they sleep. Available in three colors – gold, silver, and black – and nine sizes, this smart ring utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze biometric data collected from the wearer. It then connects to the Samsung health app, providing individuals with an overall “energy score” ranging from one to 100 and offering personalized recommendations, much like a virtual fitness coach.
Aside from its fitness capabilities, the Galaxy Ring also has the functionality to take photos and snooze alarm clocks with just a pinch of the fingers. While smart rings are not a new concept – the England squad was recently seen wearing a tracking ring during their training for the Euro 2024 – Samsung is the first major company to release this technology, beating out competitors like Apple and Google.
Industry expert Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, describes Samsung’s decision to launch the smart ring as an “interesting bet.” He notes that the device has a strong selling point, as many people do not wear smartwatches to bed and miss out on valuable sleep data. However, Wood also acknowledges the “huge complexities” surrounding the technology, making it a risky launch. “It’s a logistical nightmare considering smart rings typically come in nine different sizes and numerous colors,” he explains. “As a result, consumers require a sizing kit to get their finger sized before making a purchase. Having strong retail partners or a comprehensive retail network is essential to success. I’ll be watching the rollout with interest.”
Despite the potential challenges, smart rings hold promise for the future. Dave Thomas, who works with England’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the UK Sports Institute, believes that smart rings can be more convenient for athletes, increasing the likelihood that they will actually use them. While CCS Insight predicts a total of four million smart rings to be sold in 2025, significantly lower than the expected 250 million smartwatches, the growth and potential of this technology cannot be ignored.
