Samsung Galaxy Ring: A New Health-Focused Wearable for 2024

Politics, News Sept. 12, 2023, 2:32 a.m.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring, rumored for a January 2024 launch, could introduce a unique health-focused wearable in the market, potentially rivaling the Oura Ring, with advanced health tracking features.

In the world of wearables, Samsung appears poised to make a significant splash in early 2024 with the anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Speculations are swirling that this innovative wearable could debut as early as January 2024, coinciding with the unveiling of the Galaxy S24 at Samsung Unpacked. It's poised to take on rivals like the Oura Ring, potentially becoming a major contender in the wearable tech space.

So, what do we currently know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring? According to information circulating on Chinese social media platform Weibo, courtesy of the prominent leaker @Universeice (as reported by SamMobile), the Galaxy Ring could make its grand entrance at Unpacked 24, sharing the stage with the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra. Traditionally, Samsung hosts this event either at the end of January or in early February, strategically positioned between the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Mobile World Congress (MWC).

However, an earlier rumor, which we explored back in July, initially hinted at a March or April 2024 launch for the Galaxy Ring. We speculated about its possible debut at Samsung's Unpacked event during the summer, but it seems we were a tad early with our predictions. As they say, no one can be right all the time.

Intriguingly, Samsung secured a trademark for the name "Galaxy Ring" back in February 2023, alongside several other names that could potentially hint at either features of the ring or entirely different products.

Now, the big question: What can we expect from the Galaxy Ring in terms of design and functionality? As the name suggests, it's highly likely that the Galaxy Ring will take the form of a ring. Like many other wearables, it will probably include a built-in heart rate monitor—a fundamental feature for top-notch fitness trackers. But Samsung might go a step further by incorporating more advanced capabilities, such as blood pressure monitoring and atrial fibrillation (aFib) detection. Worth noting is that some of these advanced features may necessitate approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a process that can span several months, if not years.

Considering rumors that Galaxy Ring production commenced in August, it's possible that the initial launch might not activate all of its features. Samsung could opt to release these advanced tracking capabilities once they clear regulatory hurdles—a strategy similar to what Fitbit employed when seeking approval for atrial fibrillation detection in their fitness trackers.

The Galaxy Ring may also delve into other health metrics like sleep tracking, blood oxygen levels, and body composition analysis, mirroring some of the capabilities found in the Galaxy Watch 6. However, nothing is set in stone at this juncture.

One notable aspect shared with the Oura Ring and the now-discontinued Amazon Loop is the likelihood that customers purchasing the Galaxy Ring will need to determine their finger size beforehand. This could involve receiving a sizing kit in the mail prior to receiving the actual ring.

Samsung's foray into this new wearables category is undeniably intriguing, and it positions the company in a market with relatively few competitors. This move could grant Samsung a valuable first-mover advantage, particularly when compared to the highly competitive smartwatch arena, where it contends with the Apple Watch and Garmin.

Furthermore, the Samsung Ring might serve as a stepping stone for the company to expand its online health and fitness offerings, potentially encompassing both free and paid tiers, akin to the strategies employed by Apple and Fitbit.

Considering Samsung's track record with product leaks, it's safe to assume that we'll be hearing more about the Galaxy Ring in the coming months. Stay tuned for further developments in this exciting venture.