Samsung is embracing the latest fashion in technology: artificial intelligence. On July 10, the South Korean electronics giant unveiled its first-ever premium smartwatch and a smart ring, marking its entry into a niche market. Both devices will feature AI capabilities aimed at helping users monitor and manage their health.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at $650, and the Galaxy Ring, priced at $400, are part of Samsung’s ongoing push into AI technology, which began six months ago with the introduction of AI-enhanced smartphones. The premium smartwatch is significantly more expensive than Samsung’s latest standard model, the Galaxy Watch 7, which sells for $300.
| Product | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | $650 | Advanced AI, Health Monitoring, Sleep Apnea Detection |
| Galaxy Ring | $400 | AI Health Monitoring, Long Battery Life |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | $300 | Standard Smartwatch Features |
Integrating AI into essential devices has become a growing trend. AI technology is already present in smartphones by Google and Apple, which compete with Samsung, as well as in the latest personal computers powered by Microsoft’s Windows software. Samsung’s new premium watch and ring aim to improve and maintain personal health, a primary reason for purchasing wearable technology.
Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring utilize AI to analyze biometric data from the wearer, providing customized health assessments through an “energy score.” This score ranges from one to 100 and offers recommendations like a virtual fitness coach.
Samsung ensures that the most sensitive information collected by its new wearable devices will be stored on the devices themselves. Some data, however, will be processed through remote computing centers with a “defense-grade, multi-layer security platform,” which Samsung compares to a virtual Fort Knox. This echoes Apple’s commitment to securing personal information processed off-device. Nevertheless, these measures do not guarantee complete immunity from security breaches or unintended data exposure.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts more sophisticated features than the Galaxy Ring, such as the ability to detect sleep apnea. However, the ring has a longer battery life, lasting six to seven days between charges.
Samsung’s smartwatch enters a crowded market dominated by Apple, which has focused on health features since launching its smartwatch a decade ago. Over 60 million people use the Samsung Health app in conjunction with its smartwatches. The health benefits associated with wearable technology have driven more people to purchase smartwatches, with global sales expected to reach approximately $29 billion (RM135.95 billion) this year. This forecast, provided by research firm Gartner Inc., translates to around 164 million new smartwatches sold this year, with sales predicted to increase to 195 million by 2028.
Samsung may face more difficulties in the smart ring market, which is currently less competitive. The segment has been primarily shaped by startups like Oura and RingConn, which have not yet made a significant impact. Gartner’s recent overview of the wearable technology market indicates that smart rings are still an emerging category with no exclusive use cases, and the market is expected to remain niche through 2028. The firm projects sales of smart rings and similar devices to generate $2.4 billion (RM11.25 billion) this year, rising to about $4.6 billion (RM21.56 billion) by 2028.
Although the Galaxy Ring will be available in nine different sizes, it only supports Google’s Android operating system, excluding iPhone users who often seek new technology like the Galaxy Ring.
In addition to its new wearables, Samsung is introducing the latest iteration of its foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This device features two display screens that can hinge together to create a pseudo-tablet. Despite minimal success since its initial release in 2019, Samsung continues to update the foldable phone with enhanced camera and AI features to appeal to a niche market. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be priced at $1,900.
Meanwhile, Samsung is facing challenges from its workforce. Unionized workers in South Korea have declared an indefinite strike to push for higher wages and other benefits. Thousands of members of the National Samsung Electronics Union began a temporary three-day strike on Monday. However, the union announced on Wednesday that it would extend the strike indefinitely, accusing management of being unwilling to negotiate.
Samsung’s latest advancements in wearable technology, the integration of AI features, and the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the competitive tech market.
Featured Image courtesy of TechRadar
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