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If you missed out on the Unpacked action, you might not know that Samsung unveiled its latest wearable device, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, at the Galaxy Unpacked event 2024. Although details are scarce, this highly anticipated gadget is already being touted as a potential competitor to similar popular devices like the Oura Ring. In this article, we’ll explore everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Ring, including its expected launch date, pricing, design, as well as possible features. The wearables sector continues to evolve, and the Galaxy Ring and the Samsung Health experience seem set to play a huge role in further pushing the smart ring trend into the mainstream.
How much will the Galaxy Ring cost? Price and availability
While official pricing details for the Samsung Galaxy Ring have not been announced, we can make some educated guesses based on the current market. Its primary competitor, the Oura Ring, is priced at $299, and other smart rings like the Circular Pro 1 and the Ultrahuman Ring AIR range from $349 to $410. Considering these figures, we hope that the Galaxy Ring won’t exceed a price point of $300. Unfortunately, you do have to take into account that the advanced tech you need to transform a tiny piece of metal into a viable fitness tracker doesn’t come cheap, so perhaps we’ll even see its price tag double or triple.
As for availability, Samsung’s trademarking of the name “Galaxy Ring” in February 2023, along with other related names, indicates their commitment to bringing this wearable device to the market. However, it’s important to note that release dates can be subject to change, and it’s advisable to stay tuned for official announcements from Samsung.
Galaxy Ring release date speculation
Given that essentially all Samsung has given us so far is a graphic of the ring and confirmed its existence, it’s near impossible to pin down an expected release date for the Galaxy Ring as of yet. However, there does seem to be a history of patents for a Samsung smart ring device, with one of the first dating right back to 2015, so it’s clear that the Ring has been a long time in the making. In this case, perhaps the strategic unveiling of the smart ring by Samsung gives us enough ground to expect that the Galaxy Ring might hit the market later this year. The company did say that a major update to its Health app is coming “later this year”, so it could be that the launch of the Ring will tie in with that nicely.
While we saw the device getting confirmed on the 17th of January at Galaxy Unpacked, we’re still nowhere near the point of getting official specs or a purchase date. On the plus side, speculations are starting to build up surrounding a possible release date window. A report from ET News (via Android Authority) suggests that the Galaxy Ring might be on schedule to launch at the next Unpacked Event now rumored to be in the second half of July, presumably alongside the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. While this is unconfirmed, it does seem possible that we could be looking at a potential launch in either the second half of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.
Galaxy Ring: design and features
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is expected to be a sleek and stylish ring, available in sizes up to 13, and according to analyst Avi Greengart, three different finishes too. While similar devices on the market typically include basic features like a heart rate monitor, the Galaxy Ring might offer more advanced functionalities such as blood pressure monitoring and aFib detection. However, obtaining FDA approval for these sensors can be a lengthy process, potentially leading to a delayed release. It’s possible that the device will initially launch with limited features, and gradually introduce advanced tracking capabilities as regulatory requirements are met.
In addition to heart rate monitoring, the Galaxy Ring might also track sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and body composition, similar to the Galaxy Watch 6. Although not confirmed, these features would further enhance its appeal as a comprehensive health and fitness device that has a convenient and smaller form factor than a smartwatch. Without a doubt, if the Galaxy Ring does well, we’ll likely see a trend of the smart ring wearable being made by other major competitors, such as Apple and Google.
What does the Samsung Galaxy Ring do?
As mentioned previously, it’s unclear exactly what the Galaxy Ring will do as of yet, but there’s room for some guesswork. Generally speaking, Samsung’s approach to health tracking focuses on sleep, stress, activity, and nutrition, so it’s likely the Galaxy Ring will get features related to monitoring these aspects of your bodily health. These might include a heart rate and ECG monitor, a blood pressure measurer, as well as functionalities for both fitness and sleep tracking. Furthermore, the Ring could end up getting an even broader range of useful features such as the ability to support wireless payments or even control other smart home devices, increasing its functionality.
What we’d like to see
While smart rings are still a fairly new category, there are certain features that we would hope to see in this new wearable, but really we can only make guesses on the Galaxy Ring’s health features so far. If we want to see the smart ring move away from a standalone accessory to a useful wellness device that’s a complimenting addition to other gadgets such as your smartphone, here’s what it might include:
Activity tracking: The ability to track daily activities such as walking, running, and other exercises, along with heart rate measurements.
Sleep tracking: A standard feature in most smart rings, sleep tracking would provide valuable insights into sleep quality and patterns.
Temperature tracking: Monitoring body temperature could help users detect signs of illness and be particularly useful for women tracking their menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
Media control: The convenience of controlling music tracks, volume, and accepting/rejecting calls directly from the Galaxy Ring, eliminating the need to interact with a smartphone or wireless earbuds.
Wireless charging: Following the example of the Oura Ring, the Samsung Galaxy Ring should offer wireless charging capabilities. It would be an added bonus if it could be charged by placing it on the back of your Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Final thoughts on the Galaxy Ring
Smart rings are gaining traction, and Samsung’s entry into the market presents an exciting opportunity for the company to establish itself as a leader in wearables beyond traditional smartwatches. The Galaxy Ring’s compact form factor and focus on health and fitness could attract consumers who prefer a more discreet wearable device. This move could also be part of Samsung’s broader strategy to expand its online health and fitness offerings, similar to what Apple and Fitbit have done.
It’s important to note that product rumors surrounding Samsung can often be abundant, and it’s obviously advisable to be cautious and wait for more official announcements. As we eagerly anticipate the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, it’s clear that this wearable device has the potential to significantly impact the market. A Samsung smart ring would eliminate the need for a third-party app, giving you native access to Samsung Health as well as providing it with more extensive and detailed data. So, stay tuned for more updates as Samsung continues to shape the future of wearables.
