Samsung introduces the latest trend in wearable technology by incorporating AI features into its new watch and ring.

Samsung is integrating artificial intelligence into its wearable devices, unveiling a high-end smartwatch and a smart ring designed to help users monitor and manage their health. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at $650, and the Galaxy Ring, at $400, represent Samsung’s expansion into AI-enhanced wearables, following the AI features introduced in their smartphones six months ago. The premium smartwatch is double the price of Samsung’s standard Galaxy Watch 7, which costs $300.

Incorporating AI into essential devices is a growing trend, with companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft also embedding AI in their smartphones and PCs. Samsung’s new devices use AI to analyze biometric data and provide personalized health assessments, offering an “energy score” on a one to 100 scale and recommendations akin to a virtual fitness coach.

Samsung promises robust security for personal data, processing most sensitive information on the devices themselves and some through secure remote centers, similar to Apple’s approach. Despite these measures, there are no absolute guarantees against security breaches.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is more advanced than the Galaxy Ring, capable of detecting conditions like sleep apnea. However, the ring boasts a longer battery life, lasting six to seven days on a single charge. Samsung faces stiff competition in the smartwatch market, dominated by Apple, but benefits from over 60 million users of its Samsung Health app.

Smartwatch sales are projected to reach nearly $29 billion globally this year, with 164 million new units sold, potentially rising to 195 million by 2028, according to Gartner Inc.

However, Samsung’s entry into the smart ring market is more challenging, with the market currently led by startups like Oura and RingConn and expected to remain niche through 2028. Gartner predicts the smart ring segment will generate $2.4 billion in sales this year, growing to $4.6 billion by 2028.

The Galaxy Ring, available in nine sizes, is compatible only with Google’s Android operating system, excluding iPhone users.

Additionally, Samsung continues to promote its foldable phones with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6, priced at $1,900, despite limited success since the concept’s 2019 debut.

Meanwhile, unionized Samsung workers in South Korea have begun an indefinite strike, demanding higher pay and benefits. Although a temporary three-day strike started on Monday, the union announced a continuous strike due to stalled negotiations. Samsung claims production remains unaffected.