Samsung is no exception to the trend that has been surging in health tech: improving and monitoring people's well-being. They have recently unveiled their latest venture for this trend: the Galaxy Ring.
A health-focused wearable, the Galaxy Ring boasts features that track heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep patterns, and more. This article delves into the unique features of the Galaxy Ring, its impact on the health tech market, and Samsung's plans for its Health app.
The Galaxy Ring: Advanced Health Monitoring
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Ring in January alongside its S24 smartphone. Currently showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the ring plans for a global release later in the year.
Some of the features that make the Galaxy Ring stand out from other wearables are:
- advanced sensors for detailed health stats;
- sleep movement tracking;
- heart rate monitoring; and
- an innovative 'vitality score' measuring physical and mental readiness.
The 'vitality score' and other data will be available on the Samsung Health app.
Samsung Electronics' Head of Digital Health, Hon Pak, shared that the company plans to extend the functionality of the Galaxy Ring. Future features could include:
- contactless payments;
- noninvasive glucose monitoring; and
- blood pressure sensing capabilities.
These additions would contribute to placing the Galaxy Ring as a comprehensive health device.
A Shift In Samsung's Health Tech Strategy
The Galaxy Ring is part of Samsung's broader strategy to conquer the health tech market. Samsung already offers a range of smartphones and smartwatches, and the introduction of the Galaxy Ring is the next step in their product line.
The decision to create a 'smart ring' was driven by customer demand for more wearable health tech options.
Integrating AI In Health Services
Pak revealed plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into Samsung's health services. These plans involve an AI 'coach' that processes data from wearables and mobile devices to provide personalized health insights.
Integrating AI could potentially link to Bixby, Samsung's digital assistant, and enhance the app's capabilities and insights.
Pak hinted at the possibility of a subscription service for the Samsung Health app. However, he emphasized that any such offering would need significant improvement in the app's capabilities and insights.
