Two weeks ahead of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, Samsung Electronics unveiled the next frontier of Galaxy AI with Galaxy Unpacked 2024 at the Carrousel du Louvre — located underground the historic Louvre Museum in Paris, France.https://t.co/zD10GPkwer
— Samsung Austin Semiconductor (@SamsungAustin) July 14, 2024
Samsung has unveiled its latest wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, which is set to be released on July 24, 2024. The ring, priced at $399 / £399 (approximately AU$750), is designed to work in tandem with the Galaxy Watch, offering unique benefits when used together. Drew Blackard, VP of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, discussed the advantages of using both devices simultaneously in an interview at the Galaxy Unpacked Event in NYC.
Patiently waiting for Oura to "go after Samsung" as they said they would do once Samsung released the Galaxy Ring pic.twitter.com/RoRpoXcF4J
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) July 13, 2024
He highlighted the comfort of wearing the ring while sleeping, as opposed to a watch that may cause discomfort or disrupt sleep with buzzing or glowing. Blackard also mentioned the potential for extended battery life when using the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch together. The devices can intelligently determine which sensors to use in the ring to offset power consumption, potentially leading to up to 30% power savings on either device.
The fact that the Galaxy Ring is sold out took me by surprise
I held back because of the price, but looks like most didn't. It's a completely new lineup for Samsung, so high demand was expected, but this high? Very Surprising pic.twitter.com/JVHOcitAT1
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) July 13, 2024
Additionally, the on-device intelligence allows for more accurate readings by balancing data from the sensors on both the ring and the watch, resulting in more precise metrics such as step count and heart rate. Samsung’s entry into the smart-ring space benefits from its extensive experience with wearable devices. The company anticipates that users might pair the Galaxy Ring with an existing smartwatch to enhance the overall experience.
Galaxy Ring is out of stock in the United States.
Three days after the pre-order period started. pic.twitter.com/cQARZHuLGg
— Alvin (@sondesix) July 13, 2024
Samsung unveils seamless Galaxy Ring tracking
As the Galaxy Ring becomes available, it is expected to compete with other wearable devices, providing users with robust and interconnected options for tracking their health and activities. The Galaxy Ring’s pricing strategy also sets it apart from competitors.
Lee Dinham, a product specialist from Samsung’s mobile experience division, confirmed that the decision to forgo subscription fees for the Galaxy Ring is permanent. This is partly due to the robust infrastructure offered by Samsung Health, which allows for the integration of the Galaxy Ring without incurring substantial additional costs. Competitors have not indicated any plans to adjust their subscription prices in response, instead emphasizing the value that customers receive through their subscriptions.
However, potential buyers should remain cautious as Samsung’s future strategies, particularly concerning its Galaxy AI features, remain uncertain beyond 2025. The Galaxy Ring is available for preorder in nine different sizes, ranging from size 5 to size 13, and in three color options: titanium black, titanium silver, and titanium gold. While no direct preorder discounts are currently available, students, teachers, government employees, military personnel, veterans, and first responders may be eligible for special savings.
Trade-in savings are also available from Best Buy for similar devices from brands like Fitbit, Apple, Garmin, Google, or Samsung. As the Galaxy Ring’s release date approaches, it is expected to disrupt the market for smart rings, offering a compelling option for tech enthusiasts and loyal Samsung customers seeking a seamless, subscription-free experience for tracking their health and activities.