Samsung's recently unveiled Galaxy Ring smart ring has been making waves in the tech world, and recent reports suggest it might be even more versatile than initially thought.
While Samsung initially claimed the ring would only be compatible with its own Galaxy smartphones, it seems that any Android phone running Android 11 or higher with at least 1.5GB of memory can now join in on the fun.
Broader Compatibility
This exciting development was confirmed by YouTuber M. Brandon Lee, who successfully paired the Galaxy Ring with a Nothing phone. The process is relatively simple, requiring users to download the Galaxy Wearable app from the Google Play Store and follow the setup instructions.
The app will then prompt users to install Samsung Health and SmartThings, ensuring a seamless integration with the Galaxy Ring.
While this newfound compatibility is great news for Android users, it’s important to note that some features, such as Find My Ring, Energy Score, Wellness Tips, and Galaxy AI, remain exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices.
Core Functionality
Nonetheless, the core functionality of the Galaxy Ring, including its health-tracking capabilities and notifications, should work flawlessly on non-Samsung Android phones.
Samsung has since updated its official website to reflect this broader compatibility, indicating that the company is open to expanding the reach of its innovative wearable. However, iOS users will have to wait a bit longer, as the Galaxy Ring currently does not support iPhones.
Market Competition
The smart ring market is experiencing a surge in competition with the entry of Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, challenging Oura’s dominance in the segment. Oura is responding with its upcoming Oura Ring 4, recently spotted in certification documents. The documents reveal a new design featuring a raised middle section and possible design variations. While details on additional sensors are scarce, the ring is expected to be available in sizes from 7 to 15, and its launch seems imminent with certifications in progress.