Samsung has confirmed some of the features and specifications of its upcoming smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2024. The Galaxy Ring is a wearable device that can measure various health and wellness parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep quality, and fertility. It can also support NFC payments and other functions through the Galaxy Health app.
What is the Galaxy Ring?
The Galaxy Ring is a smart ring that Samsung first teased at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event in January, along with the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra smartphones. The smart ring is designed to be a discreet and convenient way to monitor your health and fitness, as well as to access other features of your Galaxy devices.
The Galaxy Ring is expected to come in eight different sizes, ranging from ring sizes 5 to 13, to fit different finger shapes and preferences. It will also have a sleek and stylish design, with a metal exterior and a black plastic interior. The ring will be available in various colors, such as silver, gold, black, and navy.
What can the Galaxy Ring do?
The Galaxy Ring is packed with sensors and features that can track and analyze your body and health data. Some of the confirmed features of the Galaxy Ring are:
- ECG support: The Galaxy Ring can measure your electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart. This can help detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
- Blood pressure measurement: The Galaxy Ring can also measure your blood pressure, which is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage your heart and blood vessels, and lead to serious complications, such as heart attack and stroke.
- Sleep quality monitoring: The Galaxy Ring can track your sleep patterns and quality, such as how long you sleep, how often you wake up, and how deep your sleep is. It can also measure your heart rate variability (HRV), which is the variation in the time interval between your heartbeats. HRV can reflect your stress level and emotional state, as well as your overall health and well-being.
- Fertility tracking: The Galaxy Ring can also help women track their menstrual cycle and ovulation, as well as their fertility window. It can do this by measuring their basal body temperature (BBT), which is the lowest temperature of your body during rest. BBT can change slightly throughout your cycle, and usually rises slightly after ovulation. By tracking your BBT, you can estimate when you are most likely to conceive.
- NFC payments: The Galaxy Ring can also support NFC payments, which means you can use it to pay for goods and services at compatible terminals, without using your phone or wallet. You can also use it to access other NFC-enabled devices, such as smart locks and public transportation.
How does the Galaxy Ring work?
The Galaxy Ring works by connecting to your Galaxy smartphone via Bluetooth, and using the Galaxy Health app to display and manage your health and wellness data. The Galaxy Health app is a comprehensive platform that integrates various Samsung devices and services, such as the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds, and Samsung Health Monitor.
The Galaxy Ring also has a built-in battery that can last for about 5 to 9 days, depending on your usage and settings. You can charge the ring using a wireless charger that comes with the device.
When will the Galaxy Ring be available?
Samsung has not announced the exact launch date or price of the Galaxy Ring yet, but it has confirmed that it will be released in the second half of 2024. According to a report by ETNews, the Galaxy Ring is currently in the prototype production stage, and will enter mass production between April and June.
The Galaxy Ring is expected to be unveiled at the next Galaxy Unpacked event, which may take place in July. It may also be launched alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 smartphones, which are also rumored to debut in the summer.
The Galaxy Ring is Samsung’s first attempt to enter the smart ring market, which is currently dominated by niche players, such as the Oura Ring and the Circular Pro 1. The smart ring market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2024 to 2029, reaching $1.8 billion by 2029, according to a report by Grand View Research.
Samsung hopes to leverage its brand recognition and ecosystem to attract consumers who are looking for a new way to monitor and improve their health and wellness, as well as to access other features of their Galaxy devices.
