When people think of wearables, they often picture smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, marked by iterative updates rather than groundbreaking innovations. This phenomenon is not uncommon in mature categories, where the focus shifts from experimentation to refinement.
The Resurgence of Smart Rings
Smart rings are not new, but 2024 saw a renaissance of sorts for this category. The January CES show floor was abuzz with several smart ring prototypes, and Samsung’s February announcement of the Galaxy Ring marked a significant turning point. As one of the largest players in the smartwatch space, Samsung’s entry into the smart ring market propelled what was once a niche form factor into the mainstream.
A New Era for Smart Rings
The newer crop of smart rings is exciting due to their innovative features and designs. The Galaxy Ring, for instance, can seamlessly integrate with Samsung’s Galaxy Watches to optimize battery life and sensor accuracy. Additionally, when paired with a Z Fold 6 or Z Flip 6, it recognizes pinching gestures to control the phone’s camera. While this raises concerns about lock-in, these use cases are unprecedented in the smart ring space.
Innovative Designs and Features
It’s not just Samsung that is pushing the boundaries of what smart rings can do. The Circular Slim, for example, allows users to set silent haptic alarms and engage with an in-app AI chatbot. Movano’s Evie Ring caught attention for its open-gap design while pursuing FDA clearance for its metrics. Even Casio is joining the fray with its retro low-tech take on smart rings.
Competition Heats Up
The resurgence of smart rings has brought much-needed competition to the market, which is particularly refreshing considering Oura’s dominance in this space for over a decade. Oura primarily focuses on sleep tracking and recovery, leaving room for other companies to innovate and explore new features. The company has been actively launching new features and integrating with continuous glucose monitors.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding smart rings, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. Smart rings are expensive compared to similarly priced smartwatches, and their functionality is still limited. Manufacturers must contend with making precise components for such small devices while also catering to a wide range of finger sizes and seasonal swelling.
The Future of Smart Rings
As the renaissance continues, it’s uncertain whether smart rings will sustain themselves in the market. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring sales are yet to be seen, but if successful, it could pique the interest of other major players like Google and Apple. Oura CEO Tom Hale’s claims that Apple won’t enter the smart ring space notwithstanding, rumors persist.
Conclusion
The revival of smart rings has generated significant interest among consumers, with many seeking alternatives to traditional smartwatches. However, whether this trend will continue or revert back to Oura being the sole player remains to be seen. The challenges facing manufacturers are substantial, but the potential rewards for innovation and competition in this space are undeniable.
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- Oura Ring 4 review: still on top — for now