New filings point to new XR hardware.
Samsung has been rumored to be working on a smart ring that can be used alongside custom augmented reality (AR) glasses and is based on a recently uncovered trademark application by Samsung that lists the names “Galaxy Ring” and “Galaxy Glasses” were registered,” it seems as if the gossip might be true.
A rumor surfaced in October claiming Samsung was working on a smart ring that would use multiple sensors to bring you vital health data throughout the day, much like a modern smartwatch. This was related to a patent for a device reportedly equipped with such sensors.
Based on these documents, the alleged Galaxy Ring tracks various activities and health metrics and is capable of measuring blood pressure readings, similar to the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro.
This isn’t Samsung’s first attempt at a smart ring. Back in 2015, Samsung filed another patent for a smart ring that never materialized.
The Galaxy Ring’s trademark was granted by KIPRIS, which describes the wearable as a “smart device for measuring health indicators and/or sleep in the form of a ring”. The trademark filing doesn’t say much about the alleged Galaxy Ring. It’s also possible that the South Korean company will unveil more wearable devices in 2023.
In addition to the Galaxy Ring, the company has also filed a patent for Galaxy Glasses, an AR device that can project virtual data over the real world. It’s possible that the project will be closer to reality after the company unveiled its XR platform during its Unpacked event on February 1, 2023.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Samsung is collaborating with Google to develop a new XR technology. Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s SVP for Android, spoke about the future of XR technology, citing it: “An exciting area in which Google has long been investing in both experience and technology is AR and VR. These technologies are an integral part of the new phase of computing because they can transform the way we interact with people and information to get things done in the real world.”
Unlike the rumored Apple AR headset, which has seen its fair share of concept art, rumors, and “inside information” circulating around the web, Samsung has managed to remain tight-lipped about its future XR plans. Brand revealed aside, there’s a lack of news about Samsung’s potential AR targets. This doesn’t mean that Samsung doesn’t take AR seriously; it could just mean that the company is taking a slower approach to getting the technology right.
According to the KIPRIS filing, the brand indicates that the Galaxy Glasses will be used for various applications such as VR and AR. It also says Samsung’s protected devices are labeled under “Headset for virtual reality experience”, “Headset for augmented reality experience”, “Smart Glasses”, “Smartphone” and “Headphones”.
How the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Glass work together is still a mystery. However, it is easy to imagine how the devices could work together. For example, instead of whipping out your Samsung smartphone and opening an app to access health data, you could simply look at your ring while wearing the AR glasses to instantly access data in AR. The ring could also be used to access menus or interact with your smartphone without the device having to leave your pocket.
It’s not clear when or if any of these products will see the light of day. However, I could see jumping to Samsung when the above products become available.
More details on patent application can be found on the KIPRIS website by clicking here.
Feature Image Credit: Samsung
