Samsung recently unveiled its latest product, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, and although not much is known about it, I had the opportunity to get a closer look and learn more about this intriguing gadget. However, it's important to note that the design I saw may still undergo changes before its official release, as they were presented as prototypes.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring comes in a variety of colors and finishes, offering options like gaudy gold and subtle dark shades. The ring itself is made of titanium, which ensures it remains lightweight and comfortable to wear. In fact, it feels similar in weight to the Oura Ring, weighing around 0.14 ounces or 4 grams. This is particularly significant because smart rings should be unobtrusive enough to be worn at night, allowing users to track their metrics even while they sleep, without the discomfort of a heavier smartwatch.
Dr. Hon Pak, head of Samsung Electronics' digital health team, emphasized the importance of wearability in smart devices. He stated, 'With the Ring specifically, as you can imagine a wearable is as good as people who wear it. If people don't wear it, it won't matter.' Samsung aims to create a device that seamlessly integrates into users' daily lives, encouraging consistent use to track their health metrics.
The design of the Galaxy Ring is understated yet distinctive, featuring a gentle concave channel running around the outside. This design element adds a level of comfort and tactile satisfaction reminiscent of the dimple found on the Oura Ring. However, it is worth noting that the Galaxy Ring prototype does not have a similar anchor to ensure optimum orientation on the finger for sensor functionality.
The exact metrics the Samsung Galaxy Ring will measure remain undisclosed, but sleep tracking and possibly blood oxygen monitoring are expected. Samsung has received approval from the Korean FDA for sleep apnea detection using blood oxygen level monitoring on their Galaxy Watch, so it is likely that this feature will be included in the Galaxy Ring as well. Dr. Hon Pak confirmed that the accuracy of the Galaxy Ring's readings would be on par with the metrics achieved by the Galaxy Watch, but specific details regarding which metrics will be included were not revealed.
Samsung is clearly committed to providing users with detailed health tracking capabilities. Dr. Pak stated, 'What's happening is the wearable is giving us context in ways that we've never known.' The company aims to go beyond on-demand tracking to passive monitoring in the background, allowing patterns and insights to emerge over time. This development in wearables opens up possibilities for individuals and healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions regarding health management and lifestyle choices.
While Samsung has not provided a specific release date for the Galaxy Ring, Dr. Pak hinted that it would likely be in the second half of 2024. No information concerning pricing has been disclosed either. However, it is expected that the Galaxy Ring will make its debut at one of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked events, which typically occur both at the beginning of the year and later in the summer. With the device being a significant release for Samsung, it is unlikely that it will simply be announced in a press release, making the Galaxy Unpacked event the favored platform for unveiling.
In terms of functionality, it is highly probable that the Samsung Galaxy Ring will include sleep tracking, considering the popularity and convenience of wearing a ring during sleep compared to a bulkier smartwatch. The accuracy of data collected from the finger has been deemed comparable to that gathered by wrist-based wearables. Although not explicitly confirmed, Samsung's expertise in tracking blood oxygen levels (SPO2) and the presence of this feature on rival smart rings like Oura suggest it is likely to be included in the Galaxy Ring.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring holds great potential, not only as a wearable device but also as a tool for promoting better health management. As wearables become more passive in their monitoring capabilities, providing deeper context and insights, the potential for positive change in healthcare practices grows exponentially. Samsung's commitment to developing innovative wearables showcases the company's dedication to improving users' lives through technology.
