With the novelty of smartwatches and fitness trackers having long worn off, Samsung is hoping a more discreet device can get people back into health gadgets that you wear.
In a surprise announcement, the company briefly teased a smart ring at a recent event dedicated to its flashy new phones.
The Galaxy Ring is described as a “powerful and accessible” gadget designed to "change the shape of future health".
After foldable phones and home robots, is Samsung’s latest attempt to outdo Apple a winner? Here’s what we know about the Galaxy Ring.
What is the Galaxy Ring?
Samsung is entering a completely new category of wearables with the Galaxy Ring.
Luckily for the Korean company, it doesn’t have much competition to deal with. Simply put, there just aren’t that many smart rings available to buy - meaning Samsung can plant its flag and start its domination.
Okay, so it won’t be that easy. It still has to convince the public to wear a ring at all hours, and possibly even fork out for a subscription. Well, at least if it’s planning to follow the lead of Oura, the best-known smart ring maker, whose fans include Prince Harry and Kim Kardashian.
Galaxy Ring features
Fortunately, a fitness and sleep tracker shrunk to the size of a ring you can slip on your finger sounds like an easy sell.
That’s what the Galaxy Ring will offer, according to various reports.
Following its reveal, Samsung told The Verge the device would be snug enough to wear around the clock. So far, it sounds like it could be a must-have for those looking to track and improve their sleep. Let’s just hope the battery lasts long enough.
While it didn’t offer much info on the tech powering it, Samsung has revealed the ring will feature “leading sensor technologies” that will enable wearers to manage their health and fitness.
We’ve also heard from tech analyst Avi Greengart, who tried on the Ring, that it is “ridiculously light”, will come in sizes up to 13, and be available in three finishes, which we assume means the same thing as colours.
Samsung has patented the smart ring, you can bring this ring, operate the phone and watch in the air, and use various gestures to control the home appliance. pic.twitter.com/9VHC3IxZ51
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) August 31, 2018
If Samsung wants to take on Oura, the Galaxy Ring will also need to be able to monitor your heart rate, temperature, blood oxygen levels, and provide period predictions. Last, but not least, it will have to be waterproof.
Knowing Samsung's history of gadgets that talk to each other, it may also be able to control the company's smart home appliances. Oh, and one more thing: contactless payments would be the icing on the cake.
Galaxy Ring release date
Greengart said that the Galaxy Ring would arrive later this year. Samsung is known for holding two so-called Unpacked events annually, so maybe we’ll see it in the Autumn along with some new foldables.
Galaxy Ring price
However, the best smart rings don't come cheap. Oura charges £250 for the Oura Ring Gen 3, along with a $6 (£4.73) monthly subscription, while alternatives like the UltraHuman Ring Air can cost upwards of £320.
If the Galaxy Ring packs as many features as its rivals, we can only assume Samsung will go high. Then again, the firm also offers affordable versions of its flagship phones and smartwatches, so perhaps we'll get more than one Galaxy Ring at launch or later down the line.
