Samsung Galaxy Ring: a ring for health

Technological devices for health monitoring are moving along the hands of the Spaniards. First came bracelets, then they were strapped tightly to the wrists with smartwatches, and now they extend to the fingers in the form of a ring. “The latter are somewhat more convenient and their presence is less noticeable,” emphasizes David Alonso, director of Samsung’s mobile business in Spain.

The purpose of these gadgets is to monitor and take care of the health of their owner; they perform the same functions as the famous smart bracelets, but in these cases the technology has gone a little further. The latest in this segment of measuring health using a ring is South Korean Samsung.

Last summer, the Asian tech company launched its Galaxy Ring in the European market, and just a few weeks ago it arrived in stores in Spain. “The launch went very well, so it was decided to include Spain,” adds Alonso. “Sales are going very well,” he emphasizes.

“This is the only tech gadget I would take to bed,” says one user. Unlike smart bands and smartwatches, this device is designed to “know when your body needs a break,” Alonso says. “Plus,” he says, “it helps you find the right balance between activity and rest.”

The South Korean’s ring tracks distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate, body temperature and sleep quality. “Thanks to constant contact with the skin, it allows us to parameterize many constants,” he emphasizes.

The Galaxy Ring has three sensors, which the company recommends be placed at the bottom of the finger, although the design also marks them with a small line on the outside of the ring that sits on the inside of the palm so it won’t draw attention. To record data, the sensors have lights that turn on periodically. Small beams of light that at night ensure that the user does not go unnoticed.

South Korean engineers have developed an indicator called Energy Score, which allows you to monitor and interpret data. “These are the first stages of the development of artificial intelligence,” says the director of Samsung’s mobile business in Spain. Although he clarifies that “this data will never replace the diagnosis of a professional.”

His measurement data, characterizing each of the phases of sleep and movement during sleep, is detailed, but in some cases still raises doubts. “Over time, he will learn and improve his work,” Alonso says.

In tests conducted by this newspaper, blood oxygen levels were sometimes somewhat inaccurate. According to medical literature, oxygen saturation ranges from 95% to 100%. Levels below 90% usually require medical attention. At some points during the night, records reached 82%. “Blood oxygen monitoring is intended only for monitoring your fitness and well-being and not for diagnosing or treating any disease,” the South Korean technology company reminds when visualizing the information.

Part of the ecosystem

It doesn’t have a screen, it doesn’t vibrate, it doesn’t sound. After all, it’s a ring, and to get the most out of it, you need to pair it with your smartphone. And here iPhone users can’t do anything. Galaxy Ring is only compatible with phones running Android 11.0 or later with a minimum of 1.5GB of storage. Additionally, some features are only available on select Samsung devices. “This is part of an ecosystem that is designed to improve our lives,” says David Alonso.

Integrating artificial intelligence into its products is one of the business areas that the company has taken up in recent years, and it is gradually making its way to its devices. At their headquarters, they have been working and experimenting with artificial intelligence functions for many years. In fact, the company works with its own language models such as Gauss. “We have made major investments in infrastructure and development of a great language model,” said Daehyun Kim, director of Samsung Research’s Global Artificial Intelligence Center, at an exclusive meeting with international media attended by this newspaper. Now you can see this tool on your latest mobile phones.

Despite its size, the user can choose the one that best suits the test box, the battery lasts up to seven days of battery life without recharging. Although it remains to be seen whether its autonomy will deteriorate in the future, since it is impossible to replace only the battery. The same thing will happen if the ring is scratched or damaged: it is impossible to change only the outer part of the ring. As Samsung points out, “you cannot replace the components of the Galaxy Ring.”