Samsung continues to innovate in this exciting category of wearable technology. They recently released their first fitness-related smart ring and are now testing new designs such as earrings and necklaces. The Galaxy Ring, which will launch on July 24, starts at $399. It’s going to revolutionize how you track your fitness! This move is particularly thrilling to see as Samsung’s current stable of wearables in large part still leans heavily on smartwatches.
Back in January, The Korea Economic Daily reported that Samsung was making its own AR glasses. They are now competing with the likes of tech giants like Meta and Apple. Samsung’s collaborative efforts with Google to build smart glasses reflect its commitment to diversifying its product offerings beyond traditional wearables. Samsung is reportedly working on a next-gen microdisplay to be used with AR glasses. This initiative is representative of their desire to infuse advanced technology into wearables.
When talking about the future of wearables at Samsung’s recent Unpacked event, Won-joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Samsung’s mobile experience division said,
“We believe it should be wearable, something that you shouldn’t carry, (that) you don’t need to carry. So it could be something that you wear, glasses, earrings, watches, rings, and sometime (a) necklace.”
The Galaxy Ring is part of Samsung’s increasing health and fitness emphasis. Launched last year, it makes it easier than ever for people to track their progress and stay on top of their activity and wellness. As the last example, this ultra-discreet smart ring dramatically extends the capabilities of current big-watch offerings. It provides consumers a sleek, more discrete option for keeping tabs on the health metrics that matter to them most.
As Samsung continues its work on these new, unique projects, it does so under an unfortunate shadow being cast over its leadership. Lee Jae-Yong, the de facto chief of Samsung, is at the center of Korea’s “chaebols” bribery scandal. This political corruption scandal has engulfed former president Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. He is currently charged with five counts in this corruption scandal and potentially facing a 12-year prison sentence.
Samsung seems determined to continue innovating on the cutting edge of wearables technology. With the launch of the Galaxy Ring expected in 2024, this could be a key point in their strategy. At the same time, the push for new smart glasses is looking to expand access in the booming wearable tech market.