Wearable technology takes the spotlight in 2024, with industry leaders like Samsung making significant strides. The tech giant is actively developing a smart ring, known as the Galaxy Ring, and has offered a sneak peek, confirming its existence at the Galaxy S24 series launch event. In this guide, we’ve compiled all the available information about this upcoming wearable.
The teaser serves as evidence that the release of the Samsung Galaxy Ring is imminent. Furthermore, leaks and reports have provided insights into what users can anticipate once the ring is officially unveiled. Explore this guide to gather comprehensive details about the upcoming Samsung Smart Ring.
While smart rings have gained popularity relatively recently, the Samsung Smart Ring has been the subject of rumors for some time. From patents emerging online to the device making appearances in the Galaxy Wear app, there has been a significant buzz in recent months. Let’s delve into the details!
Galaxy Ring Release Date
Rumors surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Ring trace back to 2015 when the company initially filed for a smart ring patent. However, it remained largely forgotten until a resurgence of interest occurred recently. In January 2023, Samsung filed another smart ring patent, displaying a more concrete development compared to the one filed in 2015.
Two months ago, TheElec, a Korean news portal, reported that the Galaxy Ring was in an advanced stage of development. The exact timeline for mass production, however, remained unclear, as indicated in the report. Fortunately, a recent leak, credited to the reputable tipster Ice Universe, has provided valuable insights into the potential release of the Galaxy Ring.
Ice Universe accurately forecasted that Samsung’s “smart ring should be a star product” during the event, as disclosed on his Weibo page, and this prediction proved to be correct.
During the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event on January 17, the Galaxy Ring was teased in the concluding moments. Although comprehensive details were not disclosed (details to be discussed later), the official teaser strongly suggests an imminent release for the Galaxy Ring, possibly alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 later in the same year. However, certainty regarding the release date remains uncertain at this point.
Galaxy Ring Design & Build
Samsung provided a glimpse of the Galaxy Ring’s design during the Galaxy AI event, offering a teaser that, while not revealing extensive details, suggests a design akin to other smart rings but presented in a more captivating manner.
From the official teaser, it’s evident that the ring will feature a glossy ceramic or metal design, showcasing four magnetic contact points with raised ridges on each side. This design bears a resemblance to other smart rings, including the Oura ring and similar competitors.
A user on the Threads platform, @greengart, claimed to have had a hands-on experience with the Galaxy Ring and shared impressions. According to his insights, the Galaxy Ring comes in sizes up to 13 and will be available in three different finishes. Notably, he describes the Galaxy Ring as “ridiculously light.“
A recent online patent filing has provided a preliminary sketch offering insights into the expected design of the Galaxy Ring. From the initial impression, the Galaxy Ring appears to resemble a typical smart ring, akin to devices like the Ultrahuman Ring and the Oura Ring.
The potential differentiator for the Samsung Galaxy Ring lies in the materials chosen for its construction. Samsung has the option to pursue a premium quality approach, employing materials like titanium, or opt for a slightly more economical path using hypoallergenic ceramic. The final decision on materials remains uncertain at this juncture.
Adding to the intrigue, Samsung filed another trademark application for “Samsung Curio.” While the purpose could be diverse, there is speculation about it being related to a ring. SamMobile highlights that this particular trademark falls under “Class 9” according to the UK Intellectual Property Office, which is associated with wearable technology, specifically rings and related hardware. This raises the possibility of the Galaxy Ring adopting the moniker “Samsung Curio.”
Galaxy Ring Features & Specifications
At the Galaxy S24 event, Samsung unveiled that the Galaxy Ring will seamlessly integrate with the company’s health and wellness features. This suggests a strong emphasis on fitness-centric capabilities for the smart ring, as indicated during the event. Unfortunately, official details were limited to this information, leaving room for leaks and speculations.
As for the Galaxy Ring’s specifications and features, there is scant information available. However, a discovery by the Korean news portal Naver last year unveiled a patent showcasing the sensors stack expected on the smart ring.
These sensors encompass heart rate monitoring and temperature monitoring, facilitated by ECG (electrocardiogram) and PPG (photoplethysmogram) sensors. The report also provided a rough design preview of the ring.
As of now, no additional details have emerged on the specifications front. However, there are certain expectations for the Galaxy Ring based on existing smart rings. Taking the Oura Ring 3 as an example, it houses a non-replaceable LiPo battery with capacities ranging from 15mAh (US6) to 22mAh (US13), providing approximately a week of battery backup. Similarly, the Ultrahuman Ring features a slightly larger 24mAh LiPo battery with a similar battery life. It is anticipated that the Galaxy Ring may incorporate a battery with a comparable capacity.
Moreover, considering the trend in smart ring design, it is reasonable to expect that the Galaxy Ring will feature waterproof capabilities. Many smart rings on the market boast water resistance, and the Galaxy Ring is likely to follow suit. The specific level of water resistance that Samsung incorporates remains to be seen.
A notable clue about the imminent release of the Galaxy Ring surfaced when users on the Korean portal, dcinside, identified a crucial hint. A user came across an icon resembling a ring in the Galaxy Wearables App file. This strongly suggests that the app is in development to support the ring. Similar to how the Wearables app facilitates connectivity with the Galaxy Watch series and Buds, the appearance of a third option, the Galaxy Ring, is anticipated once it is officially launched.
Regarding app support, it is probable that only Android devices will be compatible, given the historical trend where Galaxy Watch models are not compatible with iPhones. The app is expected to introduce additional features such as sleep tracking and overall health tracking, aligning with Samsung’s focus on health and wellness capabilities in its wearables.
Samsung Galaxy Ring Price
As of now, there is no information available regarding the price of the Galaxy Ring. However, some assumptions can be made based on the competition. Both the Oura Ring ($299) and Ultrahuman Ring Air are considered substantial investments, reflecting the precision required to incorporate advanced hardware into a compact ring.
To remain competitive, it is anticipated that Samsung might price the Galaxy Ring in the range of $250 to $300. However, there is also a possibility of a higher price point. The key factor would be whether Samsung chooses to implement a paywall for unlocking essential features, similar to Oura’s approach. This could be a concern, especially considering the initial investment in the ring. Nonetheless, the loyalty of Samsung ecosystem users might mitigate such concerns.
The positive aspect is that the brand is likely to reveal more details about the smart ring in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to share your expectations for the Galaxy Ring!
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