When people think of wearables, they often immediately picture smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, with iterative updates taking center stage. This is a common phenomenon in a maturing category, where the initial excitement and innovative ideas give way to polished but unremarkable products.
However, it seems that the energy and creativity that characterized the early days of wearables are starting to resurface with the emergence of smart rings. Smart rings have been around for a while, but 2024 saw a mini renaissance in this category, with several new players entering the scene.
The Galaxy Ring: A Breakthrough from Samsung
One of the most significant developments in the smart ring space was Samsung’s announcement of the long-rumored Galaxy Ring. As a major player in the smartwatch market, Samsung’s decision to branch out into an entirely new wearable category is a big deal. It propels what has been a niche form factor into the mainstream.
The Galaxy Ring is exciting because it offers some innovative features that we haven’t seen from smart rings before. For example, it 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 even recognize a pinching gesture to control the phone’s camera.
Some might view this as a way for Samsung to lock users into its ecosystem, but you have to admit that these are some of the most interesting use cases we’ve seen from smart rings yet. It’s not just Samsung that is pushing the boundaries in this space; several other companies, including Circular Slim and Movano, are also experimenting with new ideas.
A Renaissance of Innovation
The interest in smart rings is not limited to Samsung’s Galaxy Ring. Oura, a company that has dominated this space for the past decade, is facing renewed competition from newer players. Oura primarily focuses on sleep tracking and recovery, but other companies are now offering more comprehensive features.
For example, Movano’s Evie Ring incorporates a 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.
It’s especially refreshing to see new ideas emerging in this space, as it suggests that the market is finally starting to mature. However, it’s worth noting that smart rings are still expensive and don’t do quite as much as similarly priced smartwatches. They’re also challenging to make precisely because they’re so small and require even smaller components.
Challenges Ahead
While the interest in smart rings is palpable, there are several challenges that these companies will need to overcome if this renaissance is going to continue.
For one, manufacturers have to contend with a wide range of finger sizes and seasonal swelling. This means that they need to produce multiple sizes to ensure a good fit. Additionally, smart rings are still a relatively niche product, which can make it difficult for companies to achieve economies of scale.
We’ll have to wait and see how the market responds to these new players in 2025. Will Samsung’s Galaxy Ring be able to sustain its momentum? Will other companies be able to keep up with the demand for innovative features?
The Future of Smart Rings
While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, one thing is clear: smart rings are here to stay. With their unique blend of style and functionality, they offer something that traditional smartwatches can’t match.
However, it’s also worth noting that the market for smart rings is still relatively small compared to the broader wearables market. This means that companies will need to be innovative and agile if they’re going to succeed in this space.
As I reflect on my summer of wearing six smart rings, I’m reminded of just how much interest there is in this form factor. People are looking for something more discreet than a smartwatch, but still want the functionality of a wearable device.
Whether this renaissance will continue or we’ll go back to Oura being the only game in town remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the future of smart rings looks bright, and it’s going to be exciting to see what innovations these companies come up with next.
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Comments
9 Comments
- "I’ve been wearing a smart ring for months now, and I love it! It’s so discreet and convenient." – Emily
- "I’m not sure about the Galaxy Ring. Is it worth the price?" – David
- "I think smart rings are the future of wearables. They’re more stylish than traditional watches!" – Sarah
- "I’ve been using a smart ring to track my sleep, and it’s made a huge difference in my quality of life." – Mark
- "I’m excited to see what new features and innovations these companies come up with next." – Rachel
