Wearable gadgets have become an everyday part of life, from fitness bands to smartwatches, and now even rings. These tiny devices promise to monitor our health and simplify tasks, all while blending into our daily style. In the rush to capitalise on the wearable market, companies need to ensure these wearables are safe.
Most wearables contain a lithium battery and sensors that can detect sensitive personal data such as biometrics, location, and schedules. All of this necessitates a degree more trust and consideration than most consumer electronics.
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In 2022, Fitbit had to recall over a million smartwatches after reports of their batteries overheating and causing minor burn injuries. Similar incidents have led to using skin-friendly metals, improving battery safeguards, and more rigorous testing of wearable devices.
Data privacy is another key element: as these devices collect sensitive information, manufacturers must protect that information. Wearable industry best practices have developed based on new information and design experience, which help to deliver fundamentally safe products.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Ring was built out of lightweight titanium, similar to many consumer device casings. Recently, there was a case where a Galaxy Ring’s battery swelled up while on a finger, making it too tight to take off. The user ended up needing help at a hospital to remove the ring, since the titanium could not be cut off like a conventional ring material. There was no fire or lasting injury, but it highlighted that even tiny lithium batteries demand strict consideration about the risk of failure.
Companies must maintain the highest safety standards if they want consumer trust. The Galaxy Ring is entering a competitive landscape where devices such as the Oura Ring have already established a market share and demand. Any safety slip-up can dent a company’s reputation in this space, so Samsung and its rivals are motivated to get things right.
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By GlobalDataThe growing number of smart rings and other wearables show how in-demand wearable technology is becoming. The best of these devices are built from the ground up with safety in mind, leveraging not just general product trends but design considerations based on their risk of failure. They use appropriate materials, have an established regime of safety testing, and come with security features to protect your data. No device is risk-free but consumer safety is crucial for any brand to achieve lasting success.
