2024 felt like the year smart rings really established themselves in the wearable market but there was one big and notable omission.
Google hasn’t launched a Pixel Ring yet and this is my number one wish for the category in 2025. Sure, many eyes are on what Apple will do if it releases an Oura rival but I would almost certainly be buying Google’s if it gets its act together.
Samsung did a great job with its first-generation Galaxy Ring and it was my personal favourite of 2024, and while I’ll keep an eye on the Galaxy Ring 2 next year, Samsung’s effort proves that Google can do it too.
The Android maker already has a proven track record of making excellent wearables. The Pixel Watch, now three generations in, has been my personal pick of the market with its gorgeous design, usability and features.
Let’s not forget that Google owns Fitbit so there are years of wearable pedigree to bring to the table. I’ve no doubt Google can take the great things about the Pixel Watch and Fitbit IP (intellectual property) and craft it into a desirable smart ring.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Being late – Oura is now on its fourth smart ring – gives Google the advantage of learning from the mistakes of others and understanding what users want.
A couple of key things Google needs to get right to succeed (not just win me over) include an attractive design that, unlike most rivals, doesn’t scratch within days. The images in this article were generated by Google’s AI and I particularly like the one at the top – imagine it in various other fun Pixel colours.
It also needs to get battery life sorted, as that’s been the main downside of the Pixel Watches. Google could also mirror Samsung so that users wearing a Pixel Ring and Pixel Watch get better battery life from the smart ring (Sammy offers up to 30% extra with the two working in tandem) as well as more accurate data.
Price will also be a factor, of course. Smart rings so far are expensive, and perhaps surprisingly so when you consider how simple they are – essentially sensors and a battery – but packing them into such a small device isn’t easy.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The key thing I’d be looking for in price is not undercutting rivals like Samsung and Oura but not requiring users to pay a monthly subscription to access all the data and features.
This is the main downside of Oura and it seems unlikely for Google considering the existence of Fitbit Premium but I hope this will be optional rather than necessary.
Sadly, there is very little in the way of leaked information or rumours about a possible Pixel Ring but that doesn’t mean Google won’t launch one in 2025 and I truly hope it does.
I also think Google should launch a Pixel Watch A-series – find out why.
