Smart rings have surged in popularity in 2024, yet they remain a niche product. Despite an array of features being packed into these tiny devices, they still lack the crucial elements to appeal to the broader market. To make a real impact, smart rings need to offer more than just futuristic gimmicks—they need a “killer app” that provides substantial value and justifies their often high prices.
The Current Landscape
The market for smart rings is becoming increasingly crowded, with numerous brands launching Kickstarter campaigns promising a plethora of features. However, established names like Samsung and Oura have a significant edge due to their brand recognition. Despite this, even the latest models from these brands, such as the Oura Ring (Gen 3) and the anticipated Samsung Galaxy Ring, have notable gaps in their feature sets.
Essential Features Missing From Smart Rings
Effective Lost Ring Tracking
Losing a smart ring can be a costly mishap. Currently, no smart ring offers a reliable method for tracking a lost device. A leaked feature from the Galaxy Ring suggests a “Lost Mode” with a flashing LED, but this is insufficient if the ring is out of sight. An ideal solution would involve using your phone’s GPS to log the ring’s last known location when removed and potentially incorporating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for precise tracking.
Subtle and Versatile Haptics
One appeal of smart rings is their discreetness compared to smartwatches, but they lack the subtle vibrational alerts that many smartwatch users find essential. Haptic feedback can be incredibly useful for alarms, notifications, and reminders. The Circular Ring is currently one of the few that offers a vibration motor, which enhances its functionality. Adding subtle haptics could make smart rings indispensable for users who want silent alerts without wearing a bulky smartwatch.
Advanced Health Monitoring
While most smart rings cover basics like heart rate, HRV, SpO2, and skin temperature, there is room for more advanced health features. Promising developments like blood pressure monitoring and AFib detection could revolutionize the market, especially if these features gain FDA approval. Accurate and reliable health monitoring would appeal to a broad demographic, particularly older adults who could benefit from early warning systems for health issues.
Secure NFC Payments
NFC payment functionality in smart rings is surprisingly rare, primarily due to security concerns. Implementing a secure method, such as requiring a PIN code in the companion app and disabling NFC when the ring is removed, could make this feature practical. This would add significant convenience for users, making smart rings more functional in daily life.
Touch and Gesture Controls
Innovative touch and gesture controls could enhance the usability of smart rings. Patents from Samsung and Apple suggest potential for using rings as controllers for other devices. Simple and intuitive controls, such as double taps or palm gestures, could add convenience without the need for complex interfaces. However, these features must be reliable and not prone to accidental activation to be truly useful.
Distinct and Stylish Design
Aesthetic appeal is crucial for wearable technology. Most smart rings are bulky and lack distinctiveness. For smart rings to gain mainstream acceptance, they need a design that is both functional and fashionable. Just as Apple Watches have popularized a unique style, smart rings need to find a design that resonates with everyday users.
The Bottom Line
To break out of their niche and become mainstream, smart rings need to incorporate features that provide real, tangible benefits to users. Effective tracking for lost rings, subtle haptic feedback, advanced health monitoring, secure NFC payments, and intuitive controls are all potential game-changers. Additionally, achieving a stylish and distinctive design will be crucial for widespread acceptance. Brands like Samsung and Oura are well-positioned to lead this charge, but it will take innovation and a keen understanding of consumer needs to truly succeed.
