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Samsung's new smartwatches, smart rings bolster its AI ecosystem

Daniel Chiang, Taipei; Jack Wu, DIGITIMES Asia 0

Photo: Galaxy Ring. Credit: Samsung

At the "Galaxy Unpacked 2024" event held in Paris, France, Samsung Electronics not only introduced new foldable smartphone models but also showcased its AI-powered wearable ecosystem.

According to information from Samsung and Chosun Biz, the Galaxy Watch 7 focuses on health monitoring and personalized exercise guidance; the Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for enhanced durability in outdoor activities; the Galaxy Ring uses sensor technology to track key health indicators during sleep.

Galaxy Watch 7 adds high-end model for 3nm chip testing

The Galaxy Watch 7 enhances the precision of medical and health measurements through AI functionalities. It's the first device to introduce advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) index and sleep apnea detection, features its main competitor, Apple, hasn't realized yet. It also offers heart rate monitoring and over 100 exercise measurement functions.

In terms of mobile functionality, the Galaxy Watch 7 leverages Galaxy AI to analyze previous conversation contexts and provide suggested replies, allowing users to conveniently receive and send messages directly from the notification screen.

The newly-introduced Galaxy Watch Ultra focuses on high-intensity outdoor activities, supporting 10ATM water resistance and claiming stable usage from -500 meters to 9,000 meters above sea level. It also allows users to set up combination monitoring for sporting activities like triathlons.

A significant technological leap in the Galaxy Watch series is the incorporation of Samsung's in-house 3nm process AP, the Exynos W1000. This chip, utilizing Samsung's second-generation GAA 3nm (SF3) process and advanced FOPLP packaging, delivers a 3.7-fold increase in data processing speed compared to its 5nm predecessor.

Industry experts view the Galaxy Watch 7 series as a crucial test for Samsung's advanced foundry and packaging technology, with its performance likely influencing perceptions of Samsung's 3nm process and shaping expectations for future Exynos chips.

Official reveal of Galaxy Ring signals Samsung's entry into the market

Samsung also officially unveiled the Galaxy Ring, with a focus on sleep monitoring. With advanced sleep analysis and algorithms, wearers can check their sleep quality and activities of the previous night each morning, alongside various health indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Focusing on sleep monitoring, the ring offers advanced sleep analysis and algorithms, allowing users to check their sleep quality and various health indicators each morning. Available in nine sizes and weighing between 2.3 to 3.0 grams, the Galaxy Ring boasts 10ATM water resistance and a battery life of up to seven days. It also integrates with other Galaxy devices, enabling users to control cameras and alarms through simple gestures.

Industry analysis suggests that the Galaxy Ring could attract users to transfer to Samsung's ecosystem, boosting smartphone sales. Although the overall market shipment for 2024 is expected to be less than 2 million units, making it a niche market compared to the 163 million units anticipated for smartwatch shipments, the Galaxy Ring has the potential to expand the market thanks to Samsung's extensive distribution network and marketing capabilities.

The introduction of AI in these wearable products represents a significant step for Samsung. By integrating AI capabilities into its wearable devices, Samsung not only differentiates itself in the competitive wearable market but also paves the way for the expansion of its AI ecosystem. This move signals a new era in wearable technology, where AI-powered devices offer increasingly personalized and intelligent experiences to users.