Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Brian Heater
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:Brian Heater
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Image Credits:Brian Heater
endeavor
EVs
Fintech
Image Credits:Brian Heater
Fundraising
appliance
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
secrecy
Robotics
surety
Social
quad
Startups
TikTok
conveyance
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
get hold of Us
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring debuts at Mobile World Congress ahead of its release later this year
Aftera brief teaseat the remainder of its swelled Galaxy S24 event earlier this month , Samsung officially debuted the Galaxy Ring this morning at MWC . The earlier annunciation pop the question little more than an mental image and confirmation that the computer hardware giant is enrol that come forth corner of the wearable tech quad .
I ’m not entirely trusted how my opinion here would be different were it Apple come in the family , but I do suppose it ’s fair to say that the Galaxy Ring can properly be viewed as a validation of the class . Samsung ’s entry will unquestionably eat into live marketplace contribution , but in Oura ’s caseful , at least , this is verification that something is working . The companionship is n’t a household name , but it ’s big enough to effectively be synonymous with the saucy ring category for many consumers . Oura may come out of this stronger .
I should also point out that Hale note the following , “ Oura has the strongest IP portfolio — in both hardware and software system — for the smart ring form factor , with 100 grant patents , 270 pending patent applications and 130 + registered hallmark . ” I ’m sure as shooting not suggesting that this is a veiled threat , but flex one ’s patent count could head toward a company quick to battle over potential IP infringements ( assuming there are any here ) .
While the Galaxy Ring seem on the MWC floor today , we ’re still waiting for a deal here with respect to specifics . What I can state you is that Samsung is really hammer home its health offerings . After all , the ring form constituent limits functionality a good fleck versus a smartwatch . You ’re not rifle to be sending and receive electronic mail from your doughnut any time soon , for exercise , but the position on the finger makes its well - placed to offer robust activity and quietus metrics .
“ One of the biggest challenge the health care industry is facing today is fragmented data and how to get it all together , ” Samsung VP Hon Pak notes . “ Samsung is uniquely positioned to undertake this with one of the largest , most diverse connected gimmick ecosystems . Now with Samsung Health , we ’re connect different devices and partner solutions within one cohesive platform , making it simple to track wellness condition on a Galaxy wearable . ”
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
In that sense , the Galaxy Ring build up atop the wellness offerings Samsung has built via its smartphones and the pop Galaxy Watch line . Smart ring and smartwatches have been regarded by many as an either - or suggestion . I ’m sure some mass sway both an Apple Watch and Oura Ring , but it ’s no doubt see as overkill by many . I ’m curious how that math could change when smartwatches and smart mob are being produce by the same company with the same wellness offering .
Perhaps the Galaxy Ring will be regarded as a way to augment data collected by the Watch . Samsung could also lean into sleep tracking , suggesting users wear the Watch all day and sleep with the Ring on . I go full - on Princess and the Pea any meter I test to slumber with a scout on my wrist , and I ’m sure I ’m not alone .
“ As part of this portfolio , ” Samsung notes , “ Galaxy Ring is being unveiled as a new health physical body factor that simplify unremarkable health , back up smarter and healthy living via a more connected digital health platform — Samsung Health . ”
The ring on display at the event are prototypes , though the product is slated to arrive at some compass point later this year — in metre for the vacation , one imagines . We know that on - board sensors quantify heart rate , movement and breathing to create a crisscross division of the wearer ’s wellness and sleep pattern .
This information will go toward populating what Samsung calls “ MyVitality Score . ” The company articulate the lineament “ offers personalized health insights base on multiple factor including Sleep , Activity , Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability , while [ extra new feature of speech ] Booster Card helps make each day salubrious by tracking predefined goal and fork out actionable insights . ” Those should roll out for the Galaxy Watch 6 , likely prior to the Ring ’s release .
Questions like pricing and battery life remain . I would opine that Samsung is attempting to make both as private-enterprise with Oura ’s offer as potential . Of of course , Oura emptor do postulate to factor in the monthly subscription fee . Samsung could follow Oura and Google ’s Fitbit down that road , however .
“ Right now the avail is all free but we are explore different options , ” Pak enounce ata press conference last twelvemonth . “ In the future , we are contemplating a premium model or a subscription - found service . ”
