When people think of wearables, they often associate them with smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for these devices, marked by iterative updates rather than revolutionary innovations. This is not uncommon in a maturing category, where the focus shifts from pushing boundaries to refining existing products.
The Resurgence of Smart Rings
Smart rings are not new; they have been around for a while. However, 2024 saw a renaissance of sorts for this category. In January, several smart ring manufacturers showcased their devices at CES, and Samsung made headlines in February by announcing its long-rumored Galaxy Ring.
Samsung’s entry into the smart ring market is significant, as it propels this relatively niche form factor into the mainstream. With Samsung’s reputation in the wearable space, it’s clear that they’re committed to making a splash in this new category.
Innovations and Ideas
The newer crop of smart rings brings with it some exciting ideas and features. The Galaxy Ring, for instance, can work seamlessly 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 even recognize a pinching gesture to control the phone’s camera.
Other manufacturers are also pushing the boundaries of what smart rings can do. The Circular Slim, for example, allows users to set silent haptic alarms and attempt an in-app AI chatbot. Movano’s Evie Ring caught my eye with its distinctive open-gap design while ambitiously pursuing FDA clearance for its metrics. Even Casio is getting in on the fun with its take on a retro low-tech smart ring.
The Competition Heats Up
It’s refreshing to see new ideas emerge, especially when considering that Oura has dominated this space for the past decade. Oura primarily focuses on sleep tracking and recovery, which means we’ve only really thought of smart rings as health trackers until now.
However, with multiple manufacturers entering the market, competition is heating up. This is good news for consumers, as it drives innovation and pushes companies to improve their products. Oura has been launching new features at a steady clip and exploring new integrations with continuous glucose monitors. The company even released its fourth-gen ring in recent months.
Challenges Ahead
While smart rings are exciting, they’re not without their challenges. They’re expensive compared to similarly priced smartwatches, and they don’t do as much. Moreover, making a smart ring requires precision engineering, as the components need to be smaller than those used in smartwatches or fitness bands.
Manufacturers also face the challenge of fit. Watch straps can easily adjust to different sized wrists, but smart rings require multiple sizes to accommodate varying finger sizes and seasonal swelling.
The Future of Smart Rings
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s unclear whether this renaissance will continue or if we’ll see a return to Oura being the only game in town. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring may be a hit, especially as an accessory to other gadgets, which could pique the interest of Google and Apple.
However, it’s hard to tell how committed Samsung is to the Galaxy Ring if it doesn’t immediately succeed. One thing is certain: with the interest generated by smart rings in 2024, we can expect more manufacturers to enter this market in the coming year.
The Verdict
While smart rings may not be on every finger in 2025, they’re certainly gaining traction. With their unique blend of functionality and style, it’s no wonder that people are taking notice. Whether this renaissance will continue or if we’ll see a decline in interest remains to be seen.
One thing is certain, however: the future of smart rings looks bright, and we can expect more innovations and ideas to emerge in the coming year.
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