Samsung is reportedly developing a smart ring that could be launched as the Galaxy Ring, offering even more accurate health tracking than its existing Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Fit line-ups. The Galaxy Ring is said to feature a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to track heart activity and health, with sensors on all sides of the finger to improve accuracy. Samsung filed a trademark for the Galaxy Ring name with the Korea Intellectual Property Information Search in February 2023, indicating that the company could launch the smart wearable device in the future.
The Galaxy Ring’s accuracy is reportedly more detailed than that of existing Galaxy Watches, potentially cannibalising the sales of the latter. As a result, Samsung could take some time to launch the device. Apple is also expected to enter the smart ring market, and both companies could differentiate their smart rings by integrating even more features and deeper integration with their smartphones.
Smart rings lack screens and are unobtrusive, making them a potential collaboration opportunity for both Samsung and Apple with luxury fashion brands to sell more expensive versions to premium customers. Apple and Samsung already have collaborations with luxury fashion brands for their smartphones: Apple with Hermes and Samsung with Thom Browne.
Samsung’s foray into smart wearable devices may soon include more than just smartwatches and wireless earbuds. The company recently filed two new trademark applications for a Galaxy Ring and a pair of Galaxy Glasses, which could be the final names of Samsung’s upcoming XR (extended reality/mixed reality) headset, which was teased at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 1.
On February 23, Samsung was granted the Galaxy Ring trademark by the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service. The Galaxy Ring is classified as a “smart device in the form of a ring for measuring health indicators and/or sleep.” While the KIPRIS application did not reveal any additional information, reports from Korea in October 2022 claimed that Samsung was developing a smart ring that could monitor the wearer’s health and activities. In addition, the company applied for a smart ring patent with the USPTO in 2021.
Overall, the Galaxy Ring has the potential to provide even more precise health tracking than current wearables, making it an exciting development for health-conscious consumers. While the Galaxy Ring’s release date is currently unknown, Samsung’s trademark filing indicates that the device may become a reality in the future.
