Hardware

Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring amid Paris Galaxy Unpacked event

Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Ring wearable device during its Paris-based Galaxy Unpacked event, along with an array of product launches. Tom Hale, CEO at smart ring competitor Oura, told CNET that he welcomed Samsung's entrance into the smart rings category.

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July 11, 2024

Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy Ring wearable device during its Paris-based Galaxy Unpacked event, according to a report from MSNBC.

Samsung also announced redesigned Buds3 along with Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, according to the report.

Of interest to those following the ongoing competition in the wearables market, Samsung also announced the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, the latter of which is aimed towards serious athletes and is priced at $649.

The Galaxy Ring is a smart ring designed to monitor biometrics and health information and marks Samsung's first effort in the relatively new and underpopulated segment of wearable smart rings, a realm widely seen to be dominated by Oura.

The first model will be available on July 24, according to a separate analysis of the Galaxy Ring launch by MSNBC, with the launch price set at $399.

According to Engadget, the Galaxy Ring contains titanium along with a wide array of sensors, including an accelerometer and PPG sensors for blood flow and skin temperature, and the device can give users an overall activity rate score.

As for Oura's reaction to the move by Samsung, Tom Hale, CEO at Oura, welcomed the move, according to CNET: "Quite frankly, I kind of welcome the additional members of the smart ring community, because they're helping to educate the market about what's unique about smart rings," Hale said in an interview with the outlet. CNET noted that Samsung lacks compatibility with Apple devices, and that Apple users make up a large portion of the Oura user community, reasoning that this would reduce the potential negative impact of rising Samsung activity in the smart rings market on Oura's current market share.