UAE tech enthusiasts will have to wait longer for Samsung’s newest wearable, the Galaxy Ring. Unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event, this innovative ring features tiny sensors designed to monitor various health metrics, alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z series foldable devices.
AI Integration and Global Demand
Samsung is enhancing the Galaxy Ring with artificial intelligence capabilities, but fans in the UAE and neighboring GCC countries may face delays in availability. According to Fadi Abu Shamat, Senior Director of Samsung Gulf Electronics, the device will be rolled out gradually due to high global demand and supply chain challenges.
“The Ring is brand new technology and very rare. This is a fast-growing category for us,” said Shamat.
No Confirmed Release Date Yet
While the Galaxy Ring is set to launch in markets like the US, UK, Germany, and France on July 24, there is no confirmed timeline for its arrival in the UAE. Shamat assured that customers would be notified as soon as it becomes available.
Challenges in Development
Shamat explained that the delays are attributed to ongoing research and development efforts, as well as supply chain issues related to new materials used in manufacturing the Ring. Priced at $399 (approximately Dh1,465), the Galaxy Ring weighs between 2.3 to 3 grams and comes in black, silver, and gold. It is constructed from grade 5 titanium alloy, with health tracking sensors and batteries cleverly hidden beneath a layer of epoxy resin.
Competing in the Wearable Market
Samsung is positioning itself against Apple by integrating health-tracking features across its smartphones and wearables. The Galaxy Ring can monitor sleep, menstrual cycles, heart rate, and even identify the type of exercise being performed, boasting a battery life of up to 14 days.
Pre-orders Surge for Galaxy Z Series
Despite the delays with the Galaxy Ring, pre-orders for the Galaxy Z series smartphones (Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6) are seeing a remarkable 25% increase compared to the previous generation. Shamat noted that the devices are experiencing staggering success in terms of pre-order rates.
“The Z series is almost neck-to-neck with our S model phones,” he added.
Affordability and Trade-in Offers
When asked about making devices more affordable, Shamat highlighted Samsung’s efforts to provide financial options, including trade-in offers that allow customers to receive up to Dh500 off and various buy-now-pay-later plans.
Expanding AI Capabilities
Samsung’s Galaxy AI platform, launched earlier this year, continues to evolve, integrating Google’s Gemini app and supporting Arabic and Hindi languages for live translation features in the UAE and GCC markets.
As Samsung navigates these challenges, the tech community eagerly awaits the launch of the Galaxy Ring and the future of its innovative devices.
