Apple Plans to Release a Smart Ring for Health Tracking
Apple’s Wearable Electronic Ring Patent Could Soon Become a Reality
Apple could follow Samsung’s suit and make a new wearable gadget, according to reports. The health tracking device has been previously patented by the tech giant – but new reports claim it could be in the making now.
Apple’s Rumored Smart Ring for Health Monitoring
Apple might be developing a smart ring that users can wear on their finger to monitor their health and fitness metrics. The US-based company has filed for a patent for “a wearable electronic ring” back in 2019, and little has been known about it since. But a new report by the Korean media outlet ET news suggested that Apple might be developing the ring for release in a near future. According to an industry insider, Apple’s plans for commercialization of the product seem to be “imminent”.
Samsung Teases Galaxy Ring at Latest Product Event
And it comes not long after Samsung has teased the Galaxy ring at its latest launch event in the US. The Ring doesn’t have a release date or price and appears to be targeted at people who want less intrusive wearable tech. The AI-powered Samsung health experience will be able to track sleeping patterns, blood oxygen changes, and heart-rates during sleep. Samsung executive Hon Pak said during a recent interview: “The ring represents that community of people who want health tracking that is more comfortable and less obtrusive.”
Apple’s Wearable Electronic Ring Computing Device
Apple has also been consistently releasing smart-ring related patents for the past several years. Apple’s patent is titled “Devices, methods, and user interfaces for a wearable electronic ring computing device.” It includes drawings of the potential design and lists intended features like a rechargeable power source and a wireless transceiver. The design for the finger ring includes a touchscreen, voice command, hand gesture control and more.
The Growing Market for Smart Rings
But the two rivalling tech giants aren’t the first to dive into the developing of smart rings. Oura rings have laid out the groundwork in the market when they first introduced the gadget in 2016. Oura Ring has research-grade sensors that track heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), personalized temperature, activity, stress, and sleep monitoring technology. Although the compact nature of smart rings is appealing, they have less to offer than smart watches for a higher price tag. They often come without a screen and GPS, and rely on an app on your mobile phone which makes their functionality debatable. But with Samsung and Apple joining the market, it could soon change.