The Galaxy Ring is primarily designed to function as a health-tracking device, offering precise measurements of various body metrics. If the Galaxy Ring's features are on par with those of the fitness trackers and smartwatches, it could potentially compete for a share of the their market.
So, how do these smart rings work? Well, they come equipped with internal sensors for monitoring things like heart rate and physical activity. They connect to other devices, such as your phone or smartwatch, through Bluetooth, allowing for data exchange and notifications.
Interaction with the ring is typically achieved through touch-sensitive areas or gestures. Beyond health tracking and notifications, some smart rings, like the Finnish Oura ring, can also handle contactless payments, providing added convenience.
Let’s see what we know so far about Samsung’s Galaxy Ring.
Given that this is a first-of-its-kind device for Samsung, nailing down the exact release date for the Galaxy Ring is a bit tricky. As mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Ring got a quick shout-out at the Samsung Unpacked event on January 17 and was shown live during MWC. However, both presentations didn't spill the beans on when it's hitting the shelves.
Based on earlier rumors, we expected the Galaxy Ring to be introduced sometime in 2024 and sure enough, it was, even if it was just a quick shout-out during the event. According to data extracted from the most recent Galaxy Wearable app, the release date should indeed be this year.
Chances are, we might get the full scoop on the Galaxy Ring during Samsung's next Unpacked event in the latter half of July this year, as supported by recent rumors.
If Samsung classifies the Galaxy Ring as a wellness product, its release in the next few months seems like a reasonable estimate. In the event that it doesn't fall under the wellness category, we might anticipate its arrival in 2025, as medical device approval typically entails a waiting period of 10 to 12 months.
The Galaxy Ring could potentially be one of the pricier rings you treat yourself to. Unfortunately, we can't pinpoint the exact price range at this stage due to the limited information available about this upcoming smart ring. However, it's reasonable to expect it to fall within the range of current smart rings on the market.
For instance, one of the leaders in the smart ring market is the Finnish company Oura, and its smart rings are priced between $336 and $606, depending on the model and the ring's finish. So, it's likely that the Galaxy Ring will land somewhere in this price bracket, but it's doubtful that it will be priced under $300.
Galaxy Ring design
If you stuck around for the entire Unpacked event, you likely caught a glimpse of the Galaxy Ring's appearance. And guess what? It looks like a ring. All jokes aside, it boasts a sleek design. The brief presentation teasing the Galaxy Ring hints at the inclusion of standard sensors essential for its role as a health tracker.
Image Credit-Samsung
When it comes to the material, it's a bit tricky to pin down, but there's a good chance it's crafted from titanium, aligning with the trend seen in other smart rings on the market. As previously mentioned, the Galaxy Ring made its live debut at MWC, and our team was quick to capture some photos of the device.
The Galaxy Ring boast a sleek and stylish design, available in three finishes including silver, black, and gold. To cater to a broad range of users, the Galaxy Ring will be offered in nine different ring sizes to maximize compatibility and ensure a comfortable fit for as many potential buyers as possible.
And if rumors are to be believed, the Galaxy Ring could be remarkably lightweight. We will continue to keep you updated on any news regarding the design of the Galaxy Ring, so stay tuned for further updates.
Galaxy Ring battery
Among all wearable devices, smart rings have the smallest batteries, primarily due to their petite size. Despite their tiny batteries, some smart rings like the Oura ring can impressively last up to 7 days on a single rapid charge.
If a 7-day battery life already sounds impressive, you'll likely be even more amazed by the Galaxy Ring. The latest reports suggest that Samsung's smart ring is expected to last up to 9 days on a single charge.
Regardless of the eventual battery life, you can be certain that you'll have a way to keep track of it. Just recently, a Reddit user noticed that the Good Lock app already includes the Galaxy Ring among the listed devices.
This addition allows users to conveniently display the battery status on a widget, streamlining the process of checking the battery status for all connected devices. (Oh, and it also hints at the impending launch of the Galaxy Ring).
Regarding the charging method, it's likely that the Galaxy Ring will support wireless charging, based on a patent filed by Samsung last year. This means it might be wirelessly charged by other devices, such as a smartphone. Simply by holding it near a Galaxy Phone (thanks to reverse wireless charging), the small device would be able to boost its battery.
Galaxy Ring features and software
In one of its recent patent filings related to the smart ring, Samsung has introduced features capable of tracking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and physical activity. However, one of the standout features listed in this document is the ring's capacity to wirelessly control other electronic devices.
The excitement doesn't stop there. Reports indicate that it will also include features like blood flow measurement and electrocardiogram functions. Moreover, there's speculation that the ring will also support wireless payments.
Considering that the Galaxy Ring is designed to be worn on your finger and taking cues from competitors like Oura, it's highly likely that this smart device will come with water-resistant capabilities.
Moreover, considering the Galaxy Ring was teased right after Samsung delved into its new and upcoming Samsung Health features, it's a safe bet to expect compatibility with the Galaxy Wearable app. This suggests that the ring will likely connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Should I wait for Galaxy Ring?
For those eager to get their hands on a smart ring, the exact release date for the Galaxy Ring remains a bit uncertain. Nevertheless, the fact that Samsung has already showcased the ring indicates that the launch is on the horizon.
While specific details might be a bit elusive at the moment, given Samsung's reputation, it's a safe bet that the wait will be worthwhile. Expect an innovative and stylish smart ring when it finally hits the market.
If you're eager to monitor your health and activities without rocking a smartwatch and don't want to wait, it's worth noting that the smart ring market is still a bit niche, and choices are somewhat scarce. However, there are options like the Oura rings available for those who want to dive into the smart ring scene right away.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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