With Samsung's recent Galaxy Ring announcement, smart rings are back in the spotlight. But what is a smart ring and how does it work? Read.
Smart Ring provides seamless integration with your daily routine and eliminates the need for bulky phones or clunky smartwatches. (Image: Oura)
There's a new cool gadget in town. The Ring is Awakened – sorry for the lazy Lord of the Rings reference, but I couldn't resist. Smart rings have been around for a while. Last year we saw a lot of rings, including a couple from Indian brands Noise and Boat, but they have once again jumped to the forefront with the announcement of the new Galaxy ring at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event held last week. .
Samsung's move into the smart ring space signifies a growing trend of tech companies seeking innovative wearables that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality, adding to the ever-expanding realm of wearable technology. It shows a shift towards more powerful devices.
A smart ring is very similar to a smartwatch and collects all your health data and displays it in a compatible app. Some rings can also be used for instant payments. The only difference from other smart wearables is that it doesn't have a screen. Must be paired with your phone or tablet to retrieve data. However, it comes with many sensors.
– NTC thermistor sensor that tracks changes in body temperature.
– Accelerometer that records body movements such as steps, distance traveled, and calories burned.
– Gyroscope sensor that analyzes body orientation and movement.
– Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Other than this, these rings may have NFC chips, sensors that measure things like stress and heart rate.
According to a recent report by International Data Corporation (IDC), demand for smart rings has increased significantly in India over the past quarter. Upasana Joshi, Research Manager, IDC India, said that although there are currently a limited number of smart ring models, this trend will accelerate as more mainstream brands launch affordable options next year. He said that is expected.
“The future of smart rings holds the potential for further integration into everyday life. Advances in technology will allow for increased functionality, including enhanced health monitoring, expanded connectivity with other devices, and increased customization options. As the market evolves, we can expect smarter rings.”Smart rings come with even more features, and can be used for both practical and lifestyle applications. Both are becoming increasingly popular,” said Aashish Kumbhat, co-founder of URBAN Smart Wearables.
But if you already have a smartphone or even a smartwatch, why buy a smart ring?
Out-of-the-box convenience
Imagine being able to discreetly check notifications, change music tracks, and make payments with just a tap of your finger. Smart Ring provides seamless integration with your daily routine and eliminates the need for bulky phones or clunky smartwatches. Imagine navigating a new city with careful turn-by-turn directions whispered in your ear, or paying for your coffee without having to dig for your wallet. All stylish rings will decorate your hand.
Smart Rings also act as secure authentication tools, unlocking your phone, computer, and even your home with a simple touch. This not only eliminates the risk of forgetting your password, but also adds an extra layer of security against unwanted access. Additionally, smart rings are less likely to be stolen than larger smart rings due to their compact size and discreet design.
Despite their exciting potential, smart rings are not without limitations. Battery life remains a major concern, as most rings require daily charging. Additionally, their small size limits screen real estate, making information somewhat difficult to view and manipulate. As with any emerging technology, data privacy and security are also important considerations that must be thoroughly addressed.
Smart rings may not be perfect yet, but their ability to seamlessly blend convenience, health monitoring, and security into a stylish package is hard to ignore. As technology evolves and these miniature wonders overcome their limitations, they have immense potential to become the next big gadgets to grace not only our fingers but our daily lives. So keep an eye on these little tech giants. Because he could become the future of wearable technology with just one tap at a time.