When people think of wearables, they often imagine smartwatches. However, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for smartwatches, with iterative updates taking center stage. This is not unusual in a maturing category. In exchange for polished products, the innovation and sometimes ludicrous ideas found when a new technology is still being explored are lost. Fortunately, it appears that this energy is starting to resurface with the rise of smart rings.
Smart rings are not a new concept, but 2024 saw a resurgence in interest, with several companies entering the market. In January, I noticed an influx of smart rings at CES, and then Samsung announced the long-rumored Galaxy Ring in February. This move by Samsung, a major player in the smartwatch space, propelled the category into the mainstream.
A New Era for Smart Rings
The newer crop of smart rings is exciting, with some innovative ideas emerging. 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. While some may view this as a way to lock users into Samsung’s ecosystem, these use cases are new and exciting.
It’s not just Samsung that is pushing the boundaries of what smart rings can do. The Circular Slim, for instance, allows you to set silent haptic alarms and interact with an in-app AI chatbot. Movano’s Evie Ring also caught my eye, with its distinctive open-gap design and ambitious pursuit of FDA clearance for its metrics.
Even Casio is getting in on the action with its take on a retro low-tech smart ring. The interest in smart rings is not limited to tech enthusiasts; I fielded numerous questions from friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances during my summer of wearing six smart rings. Some were looking for something beautiful and discreet, while others wanted to try out new features like sleep tracking.
The Rise of Competition
Oura has dominated the smart ring market for the past decade, focusing primarily on sleep tracking and recovery. However, with the resurgence of interest in smart rings, competition is heating up. Oura has been launching new features at a steady clip and exploring new integrations with continuous glucose monitors.
The company’s latest offering, the fourth-gen ring, is a testament to their commitment to innovation. However, the rise of other players in the market is good news for consumers. With more options available, prices may decrease, and features may become more diverse.
Challenges Ahead
While smart rings are gaining popularity, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. They are expensive compared to smartwatches, and their functionality is limited. Manufacturers also face the challenge of creating smart rings that fit a wide range of finger sizes and account for seasonal swelling.
The fact that smart watches and fitness bands have an adjustable strap makes them easier to use than smart rings. As a result, manufacturers need to produce 10-12 different sizes to cater to various finger sizes, which can be costly.
What’s Next?
Only time will tell whether the renaissance of smart rings will continue. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is a game-changer, and if it succeeds, other players may follow suit. Google and Apple are likely to take notice, especially if Samsung’s ring becomes a bestseller.
However, it’s also possible that the interest in smart rings may wane, and Oura will once again be the dominant player. The next year will be crucial in determining whether smart rings will become a staple in the wearable market or remain a niche product.
Conclusion
The resurgence of smart rings is an exciting development in the wearable industry. With innovative ideas emerging and new players entering the market, consumers have more options than ever before. While challenges lie ahead, the interest in smart rings is palpable, and it will be fascinating to see how this trend unfolds in the year ahead.
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Comments
This article has generated a lot of interest, with 9 comments from readers. Here are some of the most notable responses:
- "I’ve been using a smart ring for months now, and I love it! It’s so discreet and easy to use."
- "I’m not sure if I’ll switch from my fitness tracker to a smart ring, but this article has definitely made me consider it."
- "The idea of tracking sleep quality is really interesting. Has anyone tried any of the new sleepmaxxing apps?"
- "I think the main challenge facing smart rings is their limited functionality compared to smartwatches."
