MWC 2024: Samsung unveils new Galaxy Ring after first teasing it at Galaxy S24 Ultra launch

Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring will hit the market later this year, and will be available in platinum silver, gold, and ceramic black colours. It will have AI as a pivotal component of its health services, aiming to leverage large language models to provide deeper insights into users’ health data

At Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024), Samsung officially showcased the Galaxy Ring, a wellness-focused wearable device set to hit the market later this year. With health and wellness at its core, the Galaxy Ring will be available in three colours: platinum silver, gold, and ceramic black.

While Samsung previously teased the Galaxy Ring at Unpacked last month, revealing minimal details, the physical display at MWC 2024 offers a closer look at the device. Described as a chunky, concave ring comparable in size to the Oura ring, the Galaxy Ring features a suite of sensors tucked within its design.

Despite its substantial appearance, early impressions suggest that the Galaxy Ring is lighter than anticipated. Available in sizes ranging from 5 to 13, marked S through XL inside the band, the device’s battery capacity will vary depending on size, promising longevity between charges.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Ring re:

• Sleep Tracking: Leveraging heart rate, movement, and breathing data, the Galaxy Ring will provide users with personalized sleep insights and recommendations.
• My Vitality Score: Introducing a new tool to measure alertness, users can gauge their readiness for the day and receive science-based tips via “Booster Cards” derived from sleep and activity data.
• Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration: As part of the Samsung Health ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring will seamlessly integrate with the Galaxy Watch, allowing users to combine both devices for comprehensive health tracking.

Moreover, Samsung envisions artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal component of its health services, aiming to leverage large language models to provide deeper insights into users’ health data. Dr Hon Pak, Samsung’s VP, highlighted the potential for AI-driven digital assistants to offer personalized health advice and facilitate behaviour change.

While Bixby, Samsung’s digital assistant, is poised to play a significant role, Pak emphasized the ongoing exploration of alternative interfaces. The company is also contemplating a subscription model for the Samsung Health app, prioritizing comprehensive health insights before implementation.

Looking ahead, Samsung promises further details on the Galaxy Ring’s sensor suite, pricing, and compatibility with other devices. While initial compatibility will be limited to Samsung Galaxy phones, plans to expand compatibility to other Android devices are in the pipeline, with iOS compatibility under consideration.

As Samsung continues to innovate in the wearable technology space, the Galaxy Ring emerges as a promising addition, blending advanced health-tracking capabilities with AI-driven insights to empower users on their wellness journey.

(With inputs from agencies)