Samsung has bad news for Apple Watch, Oura Ring users
According to The Street, Whether you’re a data enthusiast, a fitness buff, or a fashion trendsetter, chances are you’ve considered using a wearable fitness tracker in recent years. Fitness trackers have surged in popularity, following a trajectory similar to that of cell phones in the early 2000s—widely adopted, with varied preferences and opinions. Today’s fitness trackers offer capabilities that rival, and in some cases exceed, those of early 2000s cell phones.
The Dominance of the Apple Watch
Among the most popular fitness trackers is the Apple Watch (AAPL). Known for its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch allows users to send and receive emails, iMessages, and phone calls directly from their wrist. By mid-2023, Apple had sold over 229 million units, with 50 million sold in 2022 alone.
The Apple Watch is not just a communication tool; it also excels in fitness tracking. It monitors heart rate, step count, calories burned, and offers advanced metrics such as sleep quality, cycle tracking, and VO2 max (aerobic capacity). However, it does come with limitations, including a need for daily charging and discomfort for some users during activities like swimming or formal events.
Also read: SNAP CHECK COMING: SNAP Payments Up to $535 This September – Full List States Food Stamps
The Appeal of Smart Rings
For those who prefer a less obtrusive option, smart rings have gained popularity. These rings use LED sensors to track metrics similar to the Apple Watch but without the bulk. The Oura Ring is a leading example, known for its comprehensive health-tracking features, including sleep monitoring, illness detection, heart rate variability (HRV), and activity levels. Its lack of a screen contributes to a longer battery life compared to the Apple Watch.
Many users find the Oura Ring’s metrics more insightful due to its emphasis on mindfulness and recovery, which are not as prominently featured in the Apple Watch.
Samsung’s New Galaxy Ring
In July, Samsung (SSNLF) introduced its much-anticipated Galaxy Ring. This new entrant into the smart ring market offers a range of wellness insights similar to the Oura Ring and Apple Watch, including:
- Heart rate
- Sleep patterns
- Blood oxygen levels
- Skin temperature
- Activity
- Stress
- Breathing
- Vitality
- Snoring
- Alertness
Unlike the Oura Ring, the Galaxy Ring does not require a monthly subscription fee, aligning with the Apple Watch’s model in this respect.
Early Impressions and Reviews
The Galaxy Ring has been on the market for about a month, and early reviews suggest it could pose a challenge to its competitors.
Nirave Gondhia from Tom’s Guide notes, “The Galaxy Ring feels like a refinement of the smart ring concept—similar data but in a more streamlined, comfortable package.” Lisa Eadicicco of CNET highlights the Galaxy Ring’s detailed Sleep Score, which provides deeper insights into sleep quality compared to the Apple Watch, though she still prefers a smartwatch for connectivity.
Also read: Another troubled drugstore chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Max Buondonno of CNN Underscored praises the Galaxy Ring’s concave design, which makes it feel thinner and more comfortable than the bulkier Oura Ring.
Despite the positive feedback, some users are experiencing shipping delays and minor issues with heart rate and sleep tracking, which are expected to improve with more data.
The Galaxy Ring is priced at $399 and is available online and at Best Buy (BBY).
