When people think of wearables, they often immediately associate them with smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, marked by iterative updates rather than groundbreaking innovations. This is not uncommon in a maturing category, where companies focus on refining their products rather than experimenting with new ideas.
The Resurgence of Smart Rings
However, it seems that the energy and creativity seen in the early days of wearables are starting to resurface, this time with smart rings. Smart rings are not a new concept; they have been around for a while. However, 2024 saw a significant surge in innovation and interest in this category.
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring: A Game-Changer
One of the key players driving this resurgence is Samsung. In February, the company announced its long-rumored Galaxy Ring, which is expected to propel smart rings from a niche form factor to the mainstream. This move by Samsung is significant, as it signals that the company is serious about expanding its wearable offerings beyond smartwatches.
A Renaissance of Innovation
The newer crop of smart rings is exciting because they are pushing the boundaries of what this technology can do. The Galaxy Ring, for example, can work in tandem with Samsung’s Galaxy Watches to optimize battery life and sensor accuracy. When paired with a Z Fold 6 or a Z Flip 6, it can recognize a pinching gesture to control the phone’s camera. This is a level of integration that we have not seen before in smart rings.
Other Innovators in the Space
It’s not just Samsung that is innovating in this space. Other companies, such as Movano and Casio, are also experimenting with new ideas. The Circular Slim, for instance, lets you set silent haptic alarms and attempt an in-app AI chatbot. Meanwhile, Movano’s Evie Ring incorporates a distinctive open-gap design while ambitiously pursuing FDA clearance for its metrics.
The Rise of Competition
One of the most refreshing aspects of this resurgence is the competition it brings to Oura, which has dominated the smart ring market for the past decade. Oura primarily focuses on sleep tracking and recovery. However, with the introduction of new players in the market, we are starting to see a diversification of features and functionalities.
The Challenges Ahead
While there is certainly excitement around smart rings, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main issues is cost. Smart rings are generally more expensive than similarly priced smartwatches or fitness bands. Additionally, they are challenging to make precisely because they require smaller components and have a narrower margin for error.
Fit and Size: A Major Challenge
Another challenge facing smart ring manufacturers is fit. Unlike watch straps, which can be adjusted easily to different sized wrists, smart rings need to accommodate a wide range of finger sizes. This requires manufacturers to produce 10-12 different sizes to cater to the needs of users.
The Future of Smart Rings
As we move into 2025, it will be interesting to see whether this renaissance continues or if interest wanes. We don’t yet know how Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is doing in terms of sales. However, if it does well, especially as an accessory to other gadgets, you can bet that Google and Apple will take notice.
The Interest is There
One thing is certain: there is a growing interest in smart rings. During my summer of wearing six smart rings, I fielded a ton of questions from curious friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Some were looking for an alternative to their bulky smartwatches, while others wanted something beautiful and discreet.
Conclusion
The resurgence of smart rings is an exciting development in the wearable space. With new players entering the market and companies pushing the boundaries of innovation, it will be interesting to see where this category goes from here. Whether or not this renaissance continues remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: smart rings are here to stay.
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