Samsung is the first tech giant to launch a smart ring

Samsung has recently unveiled its latest wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, to attract fitness and health-tracking enthusiasts.

The device was introduced at the Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, positioning itself as the newest member of the company's AI-powered ecosystem of devices.

Intelligent rings, equipped with miniature sensors to track various health metrics, have predominantly remained a specialized product.

The England men's football team's recent promotion of the ring garnered significant media attention.

Samsung's entry into the intelligent ring market is a significant move, positioning the company as a leading tech innovator. It could reshape the wearable technology market.

According to Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, Samsung's product choice is an intriguing gamble. Wood's company estimates that the global market for intelligent rings will reach approximately four million units by 2025.

According to the speaker, the number of smartwatches expected to be sold, a staggering 250 million, far outweighs the figure mentioned, which is considered insignificant.

Samsung could play a role in popularizing intelligent rings.

The smart ring from Samsung is poised to make a significant impact on consumers, serving as their initial introduction to this innovative technology, explains Francisco Jeronimo, an analyst at market research firm IDC.

The initial exposure is crucial for long-term success and brand recognition.

James Kitto, the vice president and head of Samsung's mobile division in the UK & Ireland, expressed great enthusiasm for the launch of the ring, describing it as a significant milestone for the company.

Smart rings are wearable technology that has gained popularity in recent years.

These small, stylish devices are worn on the finger and offer a range of features and functionalities.

They are designed to connect to a smartphone or other devices via Bluetooth, allowing users to receive notifications, track their fitness, make payments, and even control smart home devices, all from the convenience of their fingers.

Smart rings can monitor various health indicators, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and menstrual cycles.

Finnish health tech firm Oura currently holds a dominant position in the market.

Over the past few years, the rings have become a must-have fitness accessory among celebrities like Kim Kardashian.

Analysts are optimistic about the potential of these compact and stylish devices. They believe smart rings, including Samsung's Galaxy Ring, could surpass popular smartwatches such as the Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch.

In a recent statement, Mr. Kitto praised Samsung's Galaxy Ring as their latest innovation, highlighting its compact size and discreet design.

He emphasised its ability to provide accurate health, wellness, and sleep tracking around the clock.

Smartwatches often come equipped with more sensors than smart rings, allowing a broader array of health data to be accessed and provided.

According to Mr. Jeronimo, smart rings offer a more convenient, comfortable, and stylish option for individuals who prefer not to wear a sizeable smartwatch, especially when monitoring their sleep patterns overnight. It reassures users about the comfort and ease of use of the Galaxy Ring.

A new device will soon accompany Samsung's Galaxy smartphones running on Android 11 or above, priced at £399.

The Samsung Ring is set to be available in the UK starting on 24 July.

According to Dr. Efpraxia Zamani, an associate professor of information systems at Durham University, the Samsung Galaxy Ring could be an appealing option for consumers due to its integration with other products, offering valuable information about users' health and well-being.

However, she cautioned users of products that access and monitor health data to be cautious about the data being collected and how and where it is shared.

In an ecosystem context, data can be gathered from various sources, such as the ring, the watch, and the phone. She explained that these data points can yield both positive and negative consequences when combined.

Collecting data on menstrual cycles has sparked controversy in the past.

In response to data security concerns, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office initiated a review of period and fertility tracking apps last year.