Samsung is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) features into its wearable devices to enhance their functionality. The tech giant recently unveiled its first premium smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at $650, and a smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, priced at $400. These devices aim to help users monitor and manage their health through AI capabilities.
Samsung’s focus on integrating AI into wearable technology follows a trend in the industry, with competitors like Google and Apple already incorporating this technology into their smartphones and personal computers. The AI features on Samsung’s new devices specifically target improving and maintaining personal health, a key motivator for consumers purchasing wearable tech.
The AI technology on Samsung’s smartwatch and ring will analyze biometric data collected from users to provide customized assessments of their well-being. This includes generating an “energy score” on a scale of one to 100 and offering recommendations akin to a virtual fitness coach. Some data analysis will require secure data centers for processing.
The premium Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts advanced functionalities, such as identifying sleep apnea, while the Galaxy Ring offers longer battery life, lasting six to seven days between charges. Samsung faces stiff competition in the smartwatch market, primarily dominated by Apple, which has made significant strides in health-focused features over the past decade.
Wearable technology, including smartwatches, is experiencing growing demand driven by health benefits. Global sales of smartwatches are projected to reach around $29 billion in 2021, with Gartner Inc. forecasting approximately 164 million new smartwatch users this year, expected to rise to 195 million by 2028.
While Samsung may encounter challenges in the smart ring market due to limited competition, Gartner anticipates this segment to generate $2.4 billion in sales in 2021, potentially growing to $4.6 billion by 2028. The Galaxy Ring, compatible only with Google’s Android operating system, may restrict its appeal to iPhone users.
In addition to wearable devices, Samsung is introducing the Galaxy Z Fold 6, a foldable phone with two display screens that can be transformed into a tablet, priced at $1,899.99. Despite past limited success with this concept, Samsung continues to enhance the device with camera and AI features to appeal to niche markets.
