It’s been one other stable 12 months for sensible rings, regardless of some worrying points for the Samsung Galaxy Ring, however I’m nonetheless ready for one model to affix the occasion – Google.
I’ll be trustworthy, this text was first printed 12 months in the past, however my emotions stay the identical, so I’ve repurposed it.
We didn’t see a Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 in 2025, however the authentic did cease a YouTuber from boarding a flight because of a swollen battery and needed to be eliminated at hospital (and different customers reported related issues). This occurred on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, which I used to be additionally at – now feeling fairly glad Samsung took my Galaxy Ring pattern again.
What we did get by way of new sensible rings had been some improved fashions from the likes of Round and RingConn. And Oura launched the Ceramic Version of the Ring 4.
That is truly the closest factor to a Pixel Ring we’ve seen but – at the least my creativeness of a Google sensible ring. I’ve been testing it for a few months now and it’s the closest factor to an ideal sensible ring so far, for my part.
The inexperienced ‘Tide’ color I’ve bought truly seems remarkably just like the AI-generated picture of a doable Pixel Ring on the high of the article (insert raised eyebrow emoji).
Chris Martin / Foundry
Nonetheless, it’s very costly and that doesn’t even issue the month-to-month subscription that Oura successfully calls for. This is only one space the place Google may do higher.
The Android maker already has a confirmed observe file of constructing glorious wearables. The Pixel Watch, now three generations in, has been my private decide of the market with its attractive design, usability and options.
Let’s not neglect that Google owns Fitbit so there are years of wearable pedigree to convey to the desk. I’ve little doubt Google can take the good issues in regards to the Pixel Watch and Fitbit IP (mental property) and craft it right into a fascinating sensible ring.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Being late to the sport provides Google the benefit of studying from the errors of others and understanding what customers need.
A few key issues Google must get proper to succeed (not simply win me over) embody a horny design that, in contrast to most rivals, doesn’t scratch inside days. The pictures on this article had been generated by Google’s AI and I significantly just like the one on the high – think about it in varied different enjoyable Pixel colors – a sensible ring with a tiny display is also attention-grabbing although.
It additionally must get battery life sorted, as that’s been the principle draw back of the Pixel Watches. Google may additionally mirror Samsung in order that customers sporting a Pixel Ring and Pixel Watch get higher battery life from the sensible ring (Sammy affords as much as 30% additional with the 2 working in tandem) in addition to extra correct knowledge.
Value may even be an element, in fact. Sensible rings to date are costly, and maybe surprisingly so when you think about how easy they’re – basically sensors and a battery – however packing them into such a small system isn’t straightforward.
Chris Martin / Foundry
As talked about, a key factor I’d be on the lookout for in worth isn’t undercutting rivals like Samsung and Oura however not requiring customers to pay a month-to-month subscription to entry all the information and options.
That is the principle draw back of Oura and it appears unlikely for Google, contemplating the existence of Fitbit Premium however I hope this might be non-obligatory reasonably than vital.
Sadly, there’s little or no in the best way of leaked data or rumours a couple of doable Pixel Ring, however that doesn’t imply Google received’t launch one in 2026 and I actually hope it does.
I additionally suppose Google ought to launch a Pixel Watch A-series – discover out why.