It took Google time to enter the smartwatch fray, but this second iteration of the Pixel Watch improved on the first generation with improved tracking sensors. It's our choice for the best-looking Android watch among our best smartwatches, and we call out its gorgeous, unique design, intuitive UI, and Fitbit fitness tracking integration. The watch has a modest 41mm size, with a round face and curved edges that look sleek on any wrist. 

Our one wish was for longer battery life, but that doesn't take away from this watch's overall strengths. And there's no questioning its tight integration into the Android ecosystem, regardless of what Android phone you're using. 

On Monday, Android Authority discovered certification listings for a new product from Oura. According to the product label within the listing, it's the Oura Ring 4. The model number OA11 definitely refers to the Oura Ring 4, but it's not clear yet what model number OA12 refers to. It's likely a different variation of the Oura Ring 4, possibly a Heritage variant, similar to what was available with the Oura Ring 3.

Photos attached to the certification listing show the upcoming wearable in size 10, featuring a similar design to the Oura Ring 3. Based on the certification listing, we know the Oura Ring 4 will likely come in a Gold colorway and could possibly offer larger sizes, up to 15.

The current Oura Ring 3 is available in sizes 6 - 13, and many users have wanted larger size options for years. Android Authority says, "certification documents mention that the OA11 is being tested across sizes 7, 9, 13, and 15." While this doesn't necessarily guarantee larger sizes, it's a pretty strong indicator.

What differences separate Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring 4?

The most immediately notable difference between Samsung's Galaxy Ring and Oura's new Ring 4 is in their design. Samsung went with a unique concave design that'll help prevent scratches, while Oura is sticking with a smooth, flat design.

And if Oura indeed offers sizes between 6 and 15, that'll be a big difference between the two rings as well. Currently, Samsung offers sizes between 5 and 13 for its Galaxy Ring.

Another major feature that will set the Oura Ring 4 apart from the Samsung Galaxy Ring is mobile OS compatibility. The Galaxy Ring currently only supports phones running Android OS. Some features, like Energy Score, Galaxy AI health recommendations, Find My Ring, and gestures, are restricted to Galaxy phone users. If the Oura Ring 4 follows in its predecessors' footsteps, it'll be compatible with both Android and iOS.

There's also a rumor that the Oura Ring 4 could support contactless payments, something the Galaxy Ring's first iteration cannot. 

Our sister site TechRadar reported on a blog post in which Oura CEO Tom Hale said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with the innovative Proxy team to expand our addressable market, paving the way for new opportunities in areas such as payments, access, security, identity, and beyond."

Payments, you say? Color me intrigued. It's not clear whether this feature will connect existing services like Google Wallet or Apple Pay or if it will connect to a proprietary Oura wallet service, but it would certainly give Oura a leg up against Samsung's Galaxy Ring.

Oura hasn't made an official announcement regarding the Oura Ring 4 yet, but the certification listing likely signals that an announcement isn't far off.

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For a limited time, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE for just $149 at Woot. It usually costs $199, so that's $50 off and the first discount ever on this just-released Samsung Watch. 

If you don't mind spending more, you can get the Galaxy Watch 7 for $299 ($50 off) at Amazon. Or, splurge and preorder the Galaxy Watch Ultra for $649 ($80 off).

Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch FE deal

Launched in July 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is one of the best smartwatches for Android users. It's also a budget-friendly alternative to the $349 Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the $649 Galacy Watch Ultra. 

The Galaxy Watch FE enters  Samsung's line of wearables with advanced health and fitness monitoring.  It features fitness tracking, a BIA sensor, personalized HR zones, heart rate tracking, and sleep monitoring.

If you want to invest in a new smartwatch to help you achieve your fitness goals, the Galaxy Watch FE is a budget-friendly option. 

You can pick up a new Apple Watch Series 9 on sale for just $279 at Amazon. Regularly $399, that's $120 in savings and the lowest price we've ever seen for Apple's newest smartwatch. 

This current-gen smartwatch improves upon its predecessor with an enhanced S9 chip, an even brighter 2000-nit display, and a new double-tap gesture to make your life easier. In our Apple Watch Series 9 review, the wearable earned 4 out of 5 stars, as well as our esteemed Editor's Choice award.

Whether you want a smartwatch to help inspire more fitness activity in your life or to assist with managing your iPhone's notifications, you can't go wrong with Apple's Watch Series 9 — especially when it's slashed by $120 like it is right now.

We don't know how long this extended Prime Day offer will last, so don't wait.

Today's best Apple Watch Series 9 deal

The Apple Watch is the perfect companion to your iPhone and currently you can buy the Apple Watch SE 2 for just $169 at Amazon. That's $80 off the original price and the lowest it has ever been. 

Apple's 2nd gen Apple Watch SE uses the same S8 chip as the Apple Watch Series 8, and it shares many features too. It'll pair up seamlessly with other Apple devices, monitor your heart rate and daily steps, and features water resistance up to 50 meters. 

The Apple Watch will inspire you to move more throughout the day, provide helpful GPS info during a run, and quickly view and control your notifications.

Don't wait, like many of the Prime Day deals, it's going to be gone soon as the sale officially ends today, July 17.

Today's best Apple Watch SE 2 deal

Design innovations have become product iterations, and some of the excitment with each new release has worn off. Apple's also a victim of its own success: Airpods, once a status symbol like the iPhone before them, are commonplace because they're so good.

One thing that Apple isn't anymore is cool.

Except for one maybe one instantly recognizable-yet-subtle product. The Apple Watch Ultra 2. Only true Apple geeks — and I say it with love as I'm one of them — will spot the Ultra 2 on your wrist. It's not for everybody. That's why it's Ultra.

It's big. It's primarily seen on runners or hikers — and moms and dads and executives who also want to stay fit. It's for anyone, but few have it. Those who do will get comments, no doubt.

It's ruggedly designed with space-age titanium that's light and strong, and it has a bulkier shape and size (49mm!) on the wrist than other Apple watches, which go as small as 40mm.

The Ultra 2 is an amazing watch. But for a long time, its price put it out of reach.

But those days are over — for a little while. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is at the lowest price we've ever seen for Amazon Prime Day 2024 at $100 off.

My Apple Watch is one of my favorite gadgets, but upgrading to a new one can be pretty pricey. Luckily, Amazon's annual Prime Day sale is on right now, so you (and I) can snap a sleek new Apple Watch Series 9 for just $279 on Amazon.

Apple's latest Watch is typically priced at $399, so you only save $120 on July 16 and 17. Apple products rarely get such steep discounts, so this is the best time to pick up the Watch Series 9. You can even pick from a few different colors without sacrificing your savings. 

See also: The best Amazon Prime Day Apple Watch deals

The Apple Watch Series 9 earned an Editor's Choice award from Laptop Mag, so you can be sure you're getting a fantastic wearable. It features a larger, brighter display compared to older Apple Watch models while maintaining the stylish design it's known for. 

The Series 9 is also slated to get some exciting health tracking features in this year's upcoming watchOS 11 software update, so now is a great time to swap out your old Apple Watch. 

With this epic Prime Day deal, you can upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9 for the lowest price ever!

Amazon's big annual sale — scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week — is already ripe with Prime Day Apple Watch deals.

Most of the newest models, such as the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 2, are expected to hit record lows this season. And get my personal favorite, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8, for a jaw-dropping discount.

Probably the best Prime Day Apple Watch deal available so far is the Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 at Amazon. This incredible deal takes $100 off Apple's newest smartwatch.

Full of features such as fitness trackers and advanced health sensors, the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS is the perfect companion for any lifestyle. The watch in this deal has a 41mm display and is powered by Apple's S9 SiP processor, which allows for quicker app responses and a lighter feel.

With the Apple Watch 10's announcement looming, Apple consumers are waiting with bated breath to snag Prime Day deals on still-relevant Apple Watch tech.

Follow us to track the best Amazon Prime Day deals before the event starts.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals — Quick links

• Shop: Amazon's entire sale
• Apple Watch SE 2: $249 $169 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch SE 2 (Cellular): $329 $249 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 9: $399 $279 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 9 (Cellular): $529 $409 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799 $699 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Bands: from $10 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Accessories: from $15 @ Amazon
• Apple Watch Band (Alpine Loop, 49mm): $99 $77 @ Amazon
• Belkin 3-in-1 Apple Charging Station: $139 $94 @ Amazon

Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals 2024

With a release date of July 24 and a price point of $399, it's not remotely far from finally being in our hands. 

Yet, we cannot help but look further into the future. Although Samsung's first wearable ring isn't out yet, there's a lot to speculate about the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2, with patents already giving us an idea of what its design and new features can offer.

Without further ado, here's what we know about the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2, including its anticipated release date, price, design, and more.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Release date

The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 does not have an official release date, and since it's a new technology that has yet to find a launch pattern the company is comfortable with, we don't have a specific date to predict.

Samsung has a habit of launching its products at the exact time specified by the device line. For example, Samsung Galaxy phones like the S21, S22, S23, and S24 see yearly winter launches.

Smart rings are a different beast, however. The necessity of launching the Samsung Galaxy Ring every year is currently up in the air. While it's possible that Samsung would do this, it's far more likely that they'll stick to every two or three years between launches, as it's less urgent to launch these devices so frequently.

After all, it's hard to imagine that smart ring technology will advance so significantly in a year that it would require a refresh by 2025. 

We see a release pattern like this with the Oura ring: Since 2015, a new generation has launched every three years, coming out in 2015, 2018, and 2021, with the next expected sometime this year.

For now, we expect the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 to receive a summer release date either in 2026 or 2027.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Price

The Samsung Galaxy Ring costs $399 and doesn't come with a subscription (whereas the Oura ring costs $5.99 monthly for its features). Considering that the Galaxy Ring 2 rumors are sparse, and we don't expect to see the successor for at least a couple of years, its price could go up or down depending on the success of this first launch.

It also depends entirely on the new features of the Galaxy Ring 2, but if we assume some leaks are accurate, it could get more expensive. It could also be that this is where more costly versions come in, as there's a possibility that future Galaxy Ring devices will feature a display.

Following the growing prices of the Oura Ring, its original launch cost in 2015 of $229 turned into $299 by its second generation in 2018. And with the third generation in 2021, a $5.99 monthly subscription fee was added for its features.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring's $399 price tag is already rather pricey, so if it does get more expensive, we don't expect it to get much more so (unless it gets a display). 

The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2's price can be anywhere from $399 to $449. Including a subscription is unimaginable, considering how much backlash Oura got for it.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Design

There's no confirmation on what the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 will look like, but thanks to Samsung's patents, we have the most information on this category.

As discovered by 91mobiles, images in a Samsung patent published in May showcase two whole new Galaxy Ring designs. 

Whereas the original Samsung Galaxy Ring features a simple circular shape, this curious device has a straightened-out top resembling a thick signet ring. Rather than having a signet at the top, it might be a display.

Beyond this fascinating signet design, these patents reveal another version of the Galaxy Ring. This version has two displays acting as the ring's outer shell. According to 91mobiles, the first display would allow users to click on icons, and the second would showcase the relevant information.

We see a display with symbols on the left and right side of the physical ring itself. Some example icons shown are for battery life, an unlock icon, chat messages, email, maps, and what looks like a camera.

These documents also apparently cite a total of 65 ring sizes in the United States. 

Patents like these are best taken with a grain of salt, mainly when the concept of sticking displays on its Galaxy Ring is ambitious. Even if we don't see it with the Galaxy Ring 2, it may come in future iterations.

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2: Specs

Our speculation for the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2's specs is just that, but thanks to the aforementioned 91mobiles patent leak, there are a few possibilities. 

Samsung has implemented plenty of AMOLED displays in its devices, and it even has a whole section of its website that explains what makes them special. Its lower power consumption could be a great asset on a Galaxy Ring if it gets a display, so that's a possibility.

The same patent shows that it could have sensors that detect new things, like galvanic skin response, which measures the skin's electrical charges and if your body is in an increased state of emotional stress or excitement. It might also have a fingerprint sensor.

This is in addition to the original Galaxy Ring's features, including SPO2, PPG, ECG, temperature measurement, and acceleration measurement.

If the Galaxy Ring 2 indeed does feature a display, we can't help but wonder what will become of its battery life. The current battery on the Galaxy Ring is rated between six and seven days before needing a charge, but including a display will shrink that considerably. However, if the aforementioned signet ring design is utilized, it could allow for the storage of a greater battery to offset this issue.

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Tech writers across the spectrum had access to Samsung's Galaxy Ring ahead of its July 10 launch so they could test it and form opinions, and the collective verdict seems to be that Samsung may have a hit on its hands, despite it being the product's first iteration.

If you've been wondering whether to preorder the Galaxy Ring, all signs are pointing to: do it!

Here are the best, most compelling features that have the press deeming Samsung's Galaxy Ring a must-have smart gadget for 2024.

People love its comfortable, lightweight design

The joy of wearing a smart ring instead of a smartwatch is that it's more discreet and generally more comfortable. According to critics, Samsung nailed the Galaxy Ring's design.

Yahoo Finance calls the Galaxy Ring "fashionable and unassuming" and explains that it's not easily recognizable as a piece of technology at first glance. Tom's Guide seconds that view, writing that "at just 2.6 millimeters, the Galaxy Ring still looks very discreet."

For me, an unassuming design isn't nearly as important as comfort. Will it bug me while I'm sleeping, or will I barely notice it? According to CNET, it's the latter: "It feels so light, it's easy to forget I'm wearing a tool that tracks my health metrics."

People are praising its no-subscription pricing

One of the biggest differences between Samsung's new Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring is a monthly subscription fee.

The Verge writes, "despite the $400 price tag, there's no additional subscription (looking at you, Oura)." The Galaxy Ring does cost an extra $100 upfront, but you won't have to worry about a consistent $5.99/month subscription fee like you do with Oura — and critics agree that this is major.

"People are very fatigued by subscriptions," writes Inverse. "Many of the data insights that Oura sells as part of its monthly subscription will be offered for free to Galaxy Ring users, packaged together thanks to AI."

People say the Samsung ecosystem is promising

One of the biggest reasons Apple fans stick with the company and choose an Apple-branded phone, smartwatch, laptop, earbuds, and so on is because of how seamless and easy the 'ecosystem' is. And it appears Samsung has some big plans for pushing its own ecosystem going forward.

According to The Verge, the Galaxy Ring could even "be the one ring to rule an ecosystem," though "the new Health AI features like Energy Score won't be available if you have a non-Galaxy phone."

The same goes for Find My Ring — which works via Samsung Find — a feature ZDNet hoped would debut with the Galaxy Ring: "I've wanted a form of Find My on all the smart rings I've worn, and Samsung has added it."

If you already have Samsung products or if you've wanted to adopt a non-Apple ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring might be more appealing to you. CNBC outlines this perfectly: "When the Galaxy Ring, smartwatch, and phone are paired, Samsung said, users get a more detailed picture of their health, especially when sleeping because the devices are taking data from more sources."

But if owning a Samsung phone or smartwatch doesn't appeal to you, the Galaxy Ring might not be all it's cracked up to be. You'll miss several important features, including an extended battery life.

@laptopmag

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Outlook

Samsung's Galaxy Ring hasn't even hit the shelves yet — that'll happen July 24 — but it's already generating a ton of positive buzz that indicates it'll be a smash hit. Some say Oura is in trouble with the imminent launch of the Galaxy Ring, but considering the Galaxy Ring doesn't work with iOS and the Oura Ring does, I don't agree.

That said, if Apple decides to launch its own smart ring after seeing whether the Samsung Ring succeeds post-launch, Oura might have a real problem.