When people think of wearables, they often associate them with smartwatches. However, 2024 marked a relatively quiet year for this category, with iterative updates dominating the scene. This is not uncommon in maturing industries, where innovation and creativity give way to refinement and polish. But as we look ahead to 2025, it seems that the excitement and experimentation characteristic of nascent gadget categories are starting to resurface in the realm of smart rings.
The Rise of Smart Rings
Smart rings have been around for a while, but they experienced a mini renaissance in 2024. I had a hunch this might be the case when several smart ring manufacturers showcased their products at CES in January. However, it was Samsung’s announcement of the Galaxy Ring in February that truly propelled this form factor into the mainstream.
Samsung Enters the Smart Ring Space
As one of the major players in the smartwatch market, Samsung’s entry into the smart ring space is significant. The Galaxy Ring offers some innovative features, including the ability to 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 pinching gestures to control the phone’s camera.
While this may raise concerns about Samsung locking users into its ecosystem, it’s hard to deny that these are new and exciting use cases for smart rings. It will be interesting to see how committed Samsung is to this product line if it doesn’t immediately succeed.
Innovations in Smart Rings
It’s not just Samsung that’s pushing the boundaries of what smart rings can do. I had the opportunity to test several smart rings, including the Circular Slim and Movano’s Evie Ring. While not all of them impressed me equally, they each brought something unique to the table.
The Circular Slim, for instance, allows users to set silent haptic alarms and interact with an in-app AI chatbot. The Evie Ring, on the other hand, boasts a distinctive open-gap design while pursuing FDA clearance for its metrics. Even Casio is getting in on the action with its take on a retro low-tech smart ring.
Challenges Facing Smart Rings
While the interest in smart rings is certainly there, it’s not without its challenges. They’re expensive compared to similarly priced smartwatches, and they don’t do as much. Additionally, making smart rings requires smaller components, which can be difficult to manufacture precisely. And then there’s the issue of fit – with 10-12 different sizes needed to accommodate a wide range of finger sizes, including seasonal swelling.
Competition in the Smart Ring Space
The competition in the smart ring space is heating up, and it’s not just about Oura, which has dominated this market for the past decade. The company has been launching new features at a steady clip and exploring integrations with continuous glucose monitors. Its latest release, the fourth-gen ring, is another indication that competition is driving innovation in this space.
Will the Renaissance Continue?
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s unclear whether the smart ring renaissance will continue or if we’ll revert back to Oura being the only game in town. However, with new players like Samsung and Movano entering the scene, there’s certainly a sense of excitement and possibility.
The interest is there – people are curious about smart rings, and some are even looking for alternatives to smartwatches. But will this be enough to sustain the momentum? Only time will tell.
What’s Next for Smart Rings?
As we continue to explore the potential of smart rings, it’s clear that there are many challenges ahead. However, with innovative manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s an exciting time for this emerging category.
In the year ahead, we can expect to see more developments in the smart ring space. Will Samsung’s Galaxy Ring be a game-changer? Can Movano and Casio continue to innovate and drive competition? And what about Oura – will it adapt to the changing landscape or maintain its dominance?
One thing is certain – 2025 promises to be an exciting year for smart rings, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
