When discussing wearables, people often think of smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, marked by iterative updates rather than groundbreaking innovations. This phenomenon is not uncommon in maturing categories, where the emphasis shifts from experimentation to refinement.
The Rise of Smart Rings
Smart rings, on the other hand, have been gaining momentum in recent years. While they’re not a new concept, 2024 saw a resurgence of interest in this form factor. I had a hunch that something was brewing back in January when several smart ring manufacturers showcased their products at CES. This was further solidified in February with Samsung’s announcement of the Galaxy Ring.
A Major Player Enters the Scene
Samsung, a dominant force in the smartwatch market, has made a significant move by entering the smart ring space. The Galaxy Ring is not just a novelty; it represents a new direction for the company. When paired with Samsung’s Galaxy Watches, it can optimize battery life and sensor accuracy. Furthermore, when combined with a Z Fold 6 or a Z Flip 6, it enables gesture control of the phone’s camera using a pinching motion.
Innovations Abound
The renaissance in smart rings has brought forth some fascinating ideas. The Galaxy Ring is not alone; other manufacturers have also been experimenting with innovative features. For instance, the Circular Slim offers silent haptic alarms and an AI-powered chatbot, while Movano’s Evie Ring incorporates a distinctive open-gap design and pursues FDA clearance for its metrics.
Competition Heats Up
Casio has also joined the fray with its take on a retro low-tech smart ring. This influx of new ideas is particularly refreshing given Oura’s dominance in the space for the past decade. Oura focuses primarily on sleep tracking and recovery, which means that up until recently, we’ve only thought of smart rings as health trackers.
The Rise of Competition
Oura has been launching new features at a steady clip and exploring integrations with continuous glucose monitors. The company has also released its fourth-generation ring, the Oura Ring 4. This increased competition is likely to push Oura to innovate further and expand its offerings.
Challenges Ahead
While smart rings are an exciting development, they come with their own set of challenges. They’re expensive compared to similarly priced smartwatches, and their functionality is limited by their size and complexity. Additionally, manufacturers must contend with the issue of fit; producing a single ring that fits a wide range of finger sizes requires significant resources.
The Future of Smart Rings
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s unclear whether this renaissance will continue or if we’ll return to Oura being the only game in town. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring has the potential to be a game-changer, but its success is far from guaranteed. If it does well, especially as an accessory to other gadgets, we can expect Google and Apple to take notice.
Interest Abounds
During my summer of wearing six smart rings, I fielded numerous questions from friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances who were curious about these devices. Some wanted something beautiful and discreet, while others were invested in sleepmaxxing – a viral trend that seeks to optimize sleep quality. The interest is there; now it’s up to the manufacturers to sustain this momentum.
Conclusion
The revival of smart rings marks an exciting shift away from iterative updates. As we’ve seen with Samsung’s Galaxy Ring and other innovations, this form factor has the potential to offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional wearables. The challenges ahead are significant, but with continued innovation and competition, we may see a brighter future for smart rings in 2025.
Related Articles
- We tested six smart rings, and there’s a clear winner
- The Galaxy Ring keeps you in Samsung’s orbit
- Oura Ring 4 review: still on top — for now
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This article was originally published by The Verge.
