Samsung Electronics Co. previewed a new smart ring with sensors that the company hopes will vault them into deeper competition for health technology with Apple Inc. and others.<\/p>\n
The company teased the device \u2014 called the Galaxy Ring \u2014 Wednesday at its Unpacked product launch event in San Jose, California.<\/p>\n
Samsung didn\u2019t share many details about the product, but said it would include a slew of sensors and integrate with the company\u2019s other devices such as the latest Galaxy S24 smartphones, also introduced at the event.<\/p>\n
While smartwatches from Apple and Samsung have been the primary consumer entry point into health tracking in recent years, smart rings have grown in popularity.<\/p>\n
Oura Health Oy has become well-known with its health-tracking rings, while Apple has filed patents for similar devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,\u201d Tom Hale, Oura chief executive officer, said in an interview.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew players entering the space is validation for the category and drives us to aim higher to serve our members and community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samsung\u2019s entry into the market will likely expand consumer interest in such products \u2014 and could push others into the competition.<\/p>\n
Amazon.com Inc. briefly sold a ring with a focus on taking Alexa voice commands, before discontinuing it in 2020 due to poor demand. That device didn\u2019t include health features.<\/p>\n